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ESSENCE OF MAHA BHAGAVATHA PURANA

Compiled, Composed and Interpreted by V.D.N.Rao, Former General Manager, Trade Promotion Organisation, Union Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of India

ESSENCE OF MAHA PURANA

CONTENTS PAGES

Illusion and Creation King Parikshith and Bramin boy’s Curse 1 Awareness of God 2 Virat –The Primeaval Force 3 Introspection 4 5 Simpler Approach 4 Creation By 5 Ten Stage Formation 5 Example of Vidura, the Virtuous 6 Vidura’s Deliberations with Maitreya 7 Analysis of Atom and Time 9 Further Creations of Lord Brahma 10 and Protegy 12 Sage and Sankya Yoga 12 Eight Stages of Yoga 13 Geneological Order of Manu’s Clan 13 and Lord Siva 14 Details of Peethas 15 Devotion and Realisation of Dhruva 16 Dhruva and his Lineage 17 Priyavrata travelled All over Universe 18 Description of Planets 19 Sisumara Planetary System 21 The story of Ajamila 24 Cursed By Reborn 25 Reborn Daksha’s Descendents 26 New Brihaspati ‘ Kanacha’ to 26 Visvarupa reborn As Vritrasura 27 Narada Teaches Narada Pancha Ratra to Chandraketu 28 revengful of Indra and Sacrifice 29 Was ishnu Partial to ? 30 Hiranyakasipu and 31 Varnashrama and Grihasti in Prahlada’s Regime 31 Salvation of Gajendra the Elephant King 33 Mammoth Churning of Ocean for ‘Amtit’ ( Nectar) 33 War by Demons and Demi Gods 35 Suka ’s Prophesies of Future Manus 35 Incarnation of and suppression of King Bali 36 Role of satyavrata in Matsyavara Avatara 37

- - Present Manu Vivasvanta and his Progeny 38 Harischandra an Unparalled Example of Virtue and Truth 40 Bhagiradha a Model of Perseverance 41 Lord the Epic Hero 41 Details of Vamsa –the Dynasty of Moon 43 Parasurama the paradigm of Paternal Devotion 43 The Lineage of King Pururava 44 Maha as 45 Krishna’s Vigorous Drive of Spiritual Love 47 Narada’s Futuristic Vision 48 Krishna’s demolition of and other Demons 48 abducted by Lord Krishna 51 Samantaka Mani, and Secured 51 The Destruction of (Bhamika) 52 Aniruddhha’s Wedding with Usha 53 Lord Krishna Kills Sisupala 53 Sudama,boyhood friend, honoured by Krishna 54 -Sourcing Material Par Excellence of Supreme Energy 55 Maha Vishnu’s Darshan to Krishna and Arjun 55 Bhasmasura over smarted by Lord Vishnu and burnt to ashes 56 Great Cursed ‘ Vamsa’ to the destroyed 57 Nine Yogindras provide replies to Maharaja Nimi 57 Incarnations of Nara Narayan, and Hayagreeva 58 Prabhasa Kshetra – Gita Preachings by Krishna 59 Avadhuta Secured Inspiration from Nature 59 Detachment-Varnashrama Dharma, Vidhis & Niyamas 60 Vedic Routes of Achieving the Union 62 Destruction of Yadu Dynasity and Krishna ‘Niryana’ 63 Degradation of further Dynasities and Yuga 64 King Parikshith passes away 64 Original Propagation of Vedas 64 Vision of Virat Purusha 65 Summing Up 66

- - Essence of Maha Bhagavatha Purana

Inspired by the Great Narada Maharshi, the memorable Vedavyasa prepared immortal contributions to the posterity including Vedic Literature, and rendering of Bhagavatam. He gifted Bhagavatha Purana to his illustrious son Suka Maha Muni. King Parikshith, who was cursed by a boy that he would die within a week’s time, decided to live the next few days by seeking the Truth of Life and approached no less a person than Suka Maha Muni to preach the Great Essentials of Human Life within the shortest time available before his end.This background as to how Suka Maha Muni preached King Parikshith was narrated by Suta Maharshi to a holy congregation of Rishis ( Sages) headed by Sounaka Muni who assembled at the Forest of ‘Nimisharanya’.In his introductory address, Suta Maharshi referred to Lord Krishna as the all-pervading, all-knowing, and all-powerful Supreme Force. There are indeed countless teachings to comprehend the complexity of the Super Force, but the path of realisation continued to elude humanity, especially in the age of Kali Yuga, when human beings are short lived, lazy, misguided and unconvinced.That was the reason why Suka Maha Muni chose to highlight the essence of the Truth of Life in a simple form as compared to the intricacies of the Sacred Scriptures like Vedas;this occasion of King Parikshith’s impending death provided an opportunity to do so.

Illusion and Creation

Suta Maharshi began with the concept of ‘’ (Illusion) - the hard outer shell of body hiding the Interior Soul. ‘Maya’ is derived from Material Sources, which in turn, is associated with three features of the Super Force, viz. ‘Tamas’( Ignorance), ‘Rajas’( Passion), Sathva (Goodness).The examples of firewood, smoke and fire were cited to illustrate the three features to represent Brahma (Creation or Earth),Vishnu (Sustenance) and Eswar (destruction or the Final Negation of ‘Maya’).The feature of ‘Tamas’ is akin to material wellbeing, characterised by women, wealth, power and evil. The ‘Rajas’ is akin to the effort of acquisition of knowledge, devotion, yoga and Sacrifice and the final feature, ‘Satva’ or ‘Dharma’ or the release of Inner Energy to align with the Super Force. At the beginning of Creation, The Super Power or ‘Purusha’ expanded ‘The Self’ to concieve Brahma, who in turn created the Universe and innumerable manifestations of demi-Gods like Earth, Water, Light, Wind (Life), and the Sky; the Four Sons (Kumaras) known as Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana and Sanat Kumaras; the Boar which lifted Earth from the Bottom Regions; Narada, who collected ‘Vedas’- Original Scriptures- and their Interpretation; ‘Nara’ and ‘Narayana’ the twin sons of King ‘Dharma’; the Sage ‘Kapila’ who was the foremost of perfected beings who provided an exposition of creative elements, metaphysics and the secrets of the Universe; the Sage ‘’who taught about the subject of transendence; ‘Yagna’, the son of Prajapati Ruchi and his wife Akuti, whose son is ‘’; King Rasabha, the son of King Nabhi and Merudevi, who showed the path of perfection and controlled senses; King ‘Pruthu’who cultivated land to yield all kinds of produces and made farm lands beautiful and bountiful; took the form of a Fish when the whole world was immersed in deep waters and protected on a Giant Boat; the Tortoise which bore the brunt of Mountain ‘Mandhara’ used as the churning rod of Ocean with ‘’ the Great Serpent as the rope to finally generate ‘Amrit’, the Eternal Life Giving Drink sought by Demi-Gods and Demons; ‘’, the Demi- God of Medicine; ‘’, the Supreme Enchantress who helped to bestow ‘Amrit’ to Demi-Gods

- - and denied it to the Demons; as Lord ‘’- the Man-Lion manifestation who killed the deadly ‘’ King, ‘Hiranyakasipu’ and rescued Prahlada, the embodiment of Devotion to Lord Vishnu; as ‘Vamana’, the Dwarf- Brahmachari (Student) who sought charity for merely three steps of land from King Bali- who conquered theThree Worlds from Demi-Gods -and thus pushed the King down to’’, the Under World; as Bhrigupati or Parasu Rama who fought twenty one bloody wars against ‘’ or the clan of Kings who suppressed and tormented the Class of ‘’; as ‘Vyasadeva’, the son of ‘’ and ‘Parasara, who made Branches of ‘A Single Veda’ (which is ‘Swayambhu’ or Constituted On Its Own) into Four Vedas and many other ramifications; as Lord Rama- the Hero of Epic , the Embodiment of Power and Justice, and as ‘Maryada Purusha’ or the Bench-mark of Nobility and Virtue-who annihilated ‘’ the Supreme Demon Warrier; as Lords Krishna and who vindicated ‘Dharma’ and ‘’ against the vicious and unjust in a World of Evil, Jealousy and Selfishness, by ending countless Demons; as Lord Buddha the Enlightened who preached Non-Violence, Truth and Social Justice; and as ‘’at the terminal part of ‘Kali Yuga’ who strode high on a white and flying horse with a powerful sword in hands by buchering the degenerated kings, animals and devils in the disguise of humans and sub- humans. Apart from these incarnations, the Super Power took to innumerable other manifestations as Sages, Demi Gods, ‘Manus’ or Leaders of each Manvantar or Long Capsules of Time (‘Yugas’), ‘Prajapaties’ or Noble Kings, or Godmen. The purpose of ‘Avataras’ or Incarnations of The Supreme Force or was to re- establish and resuscitate Virtue, Justice and Values of Life, whenever or wherever disorder or disequilibrium appeared in the Universe. The Motto of The Supreme Lord is: Yada Yadahi Dharmascha glanir bhavati , Thadaatmaham Srijaayami Sambhavami Yuge Yuge (Hey Bharata, as and when Virtue is in jeopardy, I create the Self and appear again and again). King and boy’s curse At the close of the Great Battle of Mahabharatha, ‘Duryodhna’, the last wicked warrior fell on the ground with his thighs broken by ‘’. ‘Aswathama’, the son of , killed the sons of ‘’ in sleep out of vengence.Arjuna hunted for Aswathama who had to utilise the Greatest Weapon ‘Brahma ’to counter Arjuna who too used the same weapon back again to control Aswathama. But, as advised by Dharma Raja,the elder brother of Arjuna and close associate of Lord Krishna, let go of Aswathama, by cutting his hair and a Natural Jewel on his head, which by itself was a punishment. ‘Bhisma Pitamaha, the Grand Old Grandfather figure of Kuruvamsa who was felled on the battle field but availed of his boon to die at his own volition, waited till ‘Uttarayana’ or the time for Sun’s course towards northern hemisphere, and joined the Supreme Soul. Lord Krishna who returned to ‘Dwaraka’ City after the Great Battle had eventually ended His Incarnation and merged with His Own Super Power. That was the Memorable Close of the Greatest Epic of ‘Maha Bharata’.As one released by Aswathama against Arjun was retaliated by another Brahmastra, the former Weapon would have affected the child in the womb of ‘Uttara’ (the war widow of ‘’ and the daughter-in-law of Arjun) but for Lord Krishna’s intervention. The Child, named Parikshith was the lone survivor of Family who eventually became the King. He was extremely pious and ideal as a benevolent King. He came across a Divine Cow once and declared herself as ‘Dharma’ or Virtue. It cautioned the King to watch out the impending danger as the near future would usher in the Era of ‘Kali’, full of vice, degeneration, injustice, and hatred. The Sacred Cow which had the reputation of walking well on its four legs would soon limp by a single leg and hop to barely move! The King’s

- - reputation as a philonthropher and noble came to be acclaimed far and wide. Once he went on a Royal Hunt in search of animals and having been exhausted, sought rest at the ‘’ (hermitage) of Samika who was in deep ‘’ (meditation). As the Rishi neither welcomed him nor was communicative, the King felt humiliated and placed a dead snake on the shoulders of the Rishi.The Rishi’s son, Shringi, returned to the Ashram and saw the ugly sight.Out of immense anger, he cursed the King that within a week’s time, a flying snake would kill him for his unpardonable indiscretion. On realising the severity of the Brahmana boy’s curse the Rishi felt sorry for the episode but it was too late to withdraw it. He repented the horrible incident but quickly braced up the situation by seating firmly on the bank of River and beseeched Suka Maha Muni to scoop out what all knowledge that he could muster and enlighten him within a matter of seven days and enable him to face death in full preparation. The word spread out and attracted several Sages, Thinkers, Devotees, Visitors and the Subjects of the Kingdom in growing streams. The King felt that his end would not only help himself but provide a colossal opportunity to the onlookers of being able to listen to the preachings by the Maha Muni Himself in person! Making a Pilgrim’s journey to the Holy River Banks, illustrious Sages like Atri, , , Parasara, Visvamitra, Angira, Bharadwaja, Guatama, Dwipayana and the Globe trotter Narada himself made their visits. Besides, there were streams of Kings, , and demi-Gods quite apart from citizens of various other Kingdoms. King Parikshith himself sat composed, eqanimous and ready to face the end, fasting on a mat unto death, having named his son ‘Janamejaya’ as the succsessor. On the other hand, Suka Maha Muni was a boy of sixteen years with spell-binding personality and a thunderous voice as if emerging from the heavens providing spontaneous replies.Incidentally, he had the nose of a parrot as his father, the Sage who ignited wooden pieces to start a Sacrifice (‘Yagna’) –this act is known as ‘Arani’- was momentarily tempted with a passing-by Celestial Damsel named Gritachi and his semen fell in the Arani, while a parrot flew across the Fire-Pit. Awareness of God King Parikshith addressed the foremost question to Suka Maha Muni as to what would bethe first step towars realisation of God.The reply was that in the normal life of any human being, there would be countless affairs engaging one’s own attention like the need for earning livelihood, family matters, indulgence in material happiness and the concerns related to the well being of the self or the persons close. Thus there would hardly be time nor inclination to even remember the awareness of God except when confronted with circumstances forcing them to do so.Even if there is an under-current of God’s consciousness, one tends to conveniently ignore or accord a low priority to the feeling of other wordliness or that of the Supreme Force above all of us. The moments of complete and concentrated surrender to Almighty are very few and far between. The Maha Muni thus asked the King as to what was the purpose of prolonged life without realising the objective of futile existence, even if the life were a success in the material context but devoid of the divine perception? The serious tasks to be taken to improve the awareness of God are well defined viz. to try to be lonely, gradually detach with material happenings of normal life, exercise self control in speech and action, practise introspection, withdraw the mind without thoughts other than of God, chant the Holy Word- OM- as often as possible, free the mind, control breathing process while performing ‘Pranayama’and imagine / concentrate on the vision of Vishnu with His Limbs in a Huge Form of Almighty.

- - ‘Virat Purusha’ – the Primeval Force Described as ‘Purusha’, the Primeval Force of Creation possesses countless heads, eyes and feet pervading the entire Universe, far beyond the miniscule level of human comprehension.He is Omni-present, omniscient and omni-potent. He is immortal, intangible, and inexpressible. Whatever has been described, visualised or imagined by way of His Glory is far surpassed. It is stated in Purusha Suktham(a Vedic compilation of Hymns) that hardly one quarter of the Purusha is comprehended as the totality of His Creation and the rest of Him is unmanifested. From the manifested part sprang the ‘Brahmanda’ or the Cosmos, the countless forms of living or non-living species and the Five Elements (Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Sky) as also the Divine Architect,’Visva ’, The Master-Builder.The Gigantic and Collosal Manifestation of the Material World be likened with the Body of The Absolute Truth, wherein the concepts of Time- The Past, The Present and The Future-converge into One. Sages concieved the ‘Virat Swarupa’ or The Body comprising Various Limbs: The Bottoms of The Feet as ‘Patala’; the Heels and Toes as the Planets named ‘Rasatala’; Ankles as ‘Mahatala’ Planets; the Shanks as ‘Talatala’ Planets; The Knees as the ‘Mahatala’ Planets; the two Thighs as ‘Atala’ and ‘Vitala’ Planets; The Hips as the ‘Mahitala’ Planets and the Navel as the Inter- Space. The Chest of The Giant Body is likened to the Luminary Planetery System, The Neck as the ‘Mahar’Planets; and The Mouth and Forehead are the ‘Janas’ and ‘Tapas’ Planetery Systems respectively.The Sages described the Topmost Planetary Structure comprising Thousand Heads as ‘ Loka’; His Arms as Demi-Gods (‘Devatas’) conducted by ‘Indra’as the Chief; the Ten Directional Sides as His Ears; the Physical Sound as Sense of Hearing; the Two Nostrils as Aswini Kumars; Material Fragrance as The Sense of Smell; His Throat as the Blistering Fire; His Eyepits as the Outer Space; Eye Balls as the Power of Vision (The Sun); Eye Lids as Day and Night; Eye Brows are the Places where Brahma and Super Personalities Reside; His Palate is the Director of Water ‘’; and His Toungue is the Spring of Juices or the Sense of Taste; Cerebral Passage are the Vedas; His Jaws of Teeth are the Lord ‘Yama’, the Dispenser of Death and Justice; The Set of Teeth is the Art of Affection; His Smile is the most fascinating and deceptive Material Energy; Upper Portion of His Lips is Modesty; His Chin is the Craving and Thirst; His Breast is Religion and His Back Irreligion; His Genitals the Brahma or the Creator; His Two Testicles are -Varunas; His Waist is the Ocean; His Bones are the Hills and Mountains; The Veins of His Gigantic Body are the Rivers; His Body Hairs are Trees;His Breath is the Omnipotent Air; His Movements are Passing Ages; His Actions are the Reactions or the Three Modes of Material Nature; Hairs on His Head are the Clouds carrying water / rain; His Intelligence is the Supreme Cause of Material Creation; His Mind is the Moon or the Reservoir of all Changes; His Ego is Rudradeva; His Residence is Humanity; His Musical Rhythm is the Celestial Existence of ‘’ ‘’ and Angels; and so on. The Face of the Gigantic Body is of ‘’, Arms are ‘Khsatriyas’, Thighs are ‘Vaisyas’ and Feet are under the protection of ‘Sudras’. The ‘Virat Purusha’ has no beginning or end; is all powerful and all-prevading. Introspection Thus explained Suka Maha Muni the broad concept of ‘Virat Purusha’, beyond which there could be no other Reality and the rest a mere illusion. It is that ‘Reality’ which needs to be realised and deeply meditated to. This is the very the first step to Introspection. It is the Supreme Lord Who is in one’s own Heart. The marginal pleasures of Life are short-lived and it is unfortunate and foolish to pursue such quickly vanishing joys of corporal nature. It is equally wasteful to work hard and get highly engrossed into such quickly evaporating material rather

- - than pursue the substantive and ever lasting happiness. Indeed, strict regimen of resisting the free play of Five Sensory Features ( ‘Pancha Indriya’) is an intelligent way of channelising all the physical and mental energies in full force to achieve solid and everlasting bliss rather than chase inefficient and useless actions that would only land into disappointments and dejections at the end of one’s own Life’s journey. As such, it would be prudent to retain the minimum possible means of living and reject the unwanted and superfluous wants for which the labours to be put in are inversely proportionate to the gains secured. For example, adequate amount of money to eke out a living is good enough rather than seek immense wealth, which has no limit anyway. Sensual life to the desirable extent of procreating children is good enough rather than get entangled with endless conjugal life that has no limit but would lead to complicated health problems. Taking to the habit of drinking wine would certainly lead to the path of misery.Thus each desire should be properly weighed in terms of bare necessity rather than by a false feeling of so-called prestige, or status or Show. By such a frugal and most minimal existence, the unwanted chaff over the grain would make enormous room in terms of effort, time and purity of thought to concentrate on the imprint of The Supreme Self residing right within everybody’s own heart admeasuring some six inches with a Miniature Replica of the ‘Virat Purusha’. Then would commence the process of aligning the Miniature within and the Collossal Superforce all over, limb by limb, ie. hand by hand, head by head. Yoga The process followed by a ‘’ ( Practitioner of Aligning the Miniature to the Maximum) is to commence the Limb By Limb Alignment from the Lotus Feet to the ‘Brahma Randhra’ or the Top Hole on the Head. The Yogi by virtue of his Scientific Knowledge and Perfection of Practice could extinguish the Material Desires and block the Life Force (‘ ’ or Air) from the anus-hole upwards, while meditating or concentrating on the ‘Virat Purusha’. While thus blocking, the Air is facilitated to be lifted from the foot-heels to the navel, to the heart, to the chest, and to the root of the palate. From there, Yoga commences the air travel to the middle of eyebrows from where retention of Life Force is a cut-off point Exercise. From then onward, the lifting of one’s Self ( ‘Atma’) to the Cerebral Hole would aim at the Spiritual Path at the termination of Materialism and the Ultimate Merger with the Supreme. Further Travel to the Outer Space or ‘Vaihayasas’ over the Milky Way to ‘Susumna’, ‘Vaisvanara’or the Planet of Fire to cleanse the Soul and higher still to ‘Sisumara’- the Turning Point of the Entire Universe; to ‘Mahar Loka’ and further on to Vishnu Nabhi ( Navel), known as ‘Garbodha- Sayi Vishnu’, to ‘Satya Loka’ or Brahma Loka and finally to ‘Ananta’ or the Great End or the Grand Beginning.Thus ended Suka Maha Muni’s reply as to how best an intelligent person at the Cave of Death ought to conduct himself with hardly seven days to go before his Final End. Simpler Approach Having thus quoted Suka Maha Muni about the Grand Phenomenon of Virat Purusha and the methodology of attaining that Spiritual Experience, Suta Muni was asked a simple question by Saunaka Muni: “The Spiritual level of Suka who replied and the knowledge level of the King who made the query about the First Step of Realisation of God are quite high.But, persons of average capacity might be baffled. As such, would there be a less complicated reply?”Suta Muni replied that unlike inanimate species like trees or animated beings like animals or human beings are blessed to think and placed better to use their sensory organs to their advantage; they could listen to the Stories of Almighty unlike serpents which have earholes; sing or chant the greatness of the Omnipotent unlike the tongues of frogs; bow down to the Omniscient unlike the head of a

- - dead person; use the hands in the service of Omnipresent unlike in the case of decorated hands of the dead; the eyes to see the Manifestations of God in symbolic forms unlike the attractive plumes of a peacock; the legs that move forward to Temples and Holy places unlike tree trunks; the nose that experiences the fragrance of flowers or ‘Tulsi’ leaves decorating the Idols of God’s Incarnations unlike that of an animal; the hair that experiences a spontaneous rise on hearing about the miracles of Vishnu unlike the hair of a goat or sheep; the mind that is in constant thought of the Supreme Force unlike in the case of a dead person and the heart that does not melt by the ecstasy of the Lord’s very thought. Thus the First Step Towards Realisation of God is to practise utmost concentration and meditation on the basis of limb-by-limb alliance between a human being and God. Creation by Brahma At this juncture, Maha Muni Suka quoted Sage Narada after ascertaining from Lord Brahma Himself about the process of further Creation By Brahma. After the Supreme Force created Him there emerged ‘Brahma Jyoti’which created the Sun, Fire, Moon, Firmament, Planets and Stars.Then followed the Creation of the Five Basic Elements, the Vedas, the Matter, Knowledge and the Entirety . The Very Original Manifestations of Super Force created the Three Super Energies in Brahma (to create), Vishnu (to preserve) and Eswar (to destroy). To express His gratitude to the Super Force, Brahma, who emerged from the navel of Maha Vishnu over a lotus stem(whose depth could never be known), innovated the paraphernalia and ingredients to perform Worship to the Master and in the process were created the Sacificial Material, Veda Reciters or the Holy Sages, the Humanity and so on. But, Brahma reiterated again that the activities attrirbuted to Himself, or Vishnu or Eswar are basically the Acivities of the Supreme Force Itself, reflected as the actions of the Proxy- Entities concerned. Brahma also referred to the First Incarnation of the Super Force, named ‘Karanarnavasayi Vishnu’Who was the Master of Eternal Time, Space, Cause and Effects, Elements, Material Ego, Modes of Nature, Senses and Universal Form of the Super Force, while ‘Garbhodayasayi Vishnu’ is the Totality of Live Beings, moving or stationary. Brahma mentioned too about the Supreme Lord’s Scheduled Incarnations with Specific Purposes. This was how, Sage Narada sought replies from Brahma about his doubts whether (a) there was a manifold manifestation of the Super Force as normally understood by the Existence of Triemvirate and (b) whether there was dualism of ‘Atma’ (Inner Self) of Human beings and other species and of ‘Paramatma’. The replies were categorical to signify the firm belief that there is one and only one Super Force and the rest is an illusion.

Ten Stage Formation

To several queries raised by King Parikshith after being engrossed with the content of the earlier replies, The Maha Muni Suka resumed his further preachings and described Creation of the Universe, its Sub-Creation, Planetery Systems, Protection by Almighty, the Momentum to Create, Alteration of ‘Manus’, the Science of the Super Force, Revisiting the Home, Return to God Head and Liberation.The basic elements used for Creation are the ‘Pancha Bhootas’or Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Sky plus smell, taste, touch,sound, ears, eyes, nose, form, toungue, skin and mind – all totalling sixteen, the group of which is known as ‘Sarga’ and their combined interaction is named ‘Visarga’.Obedience by mankind to the Fundamental Laws of Nature as prescribed and safeguarded by the Supreme Force (for eg. Planetery System) and enforcing Regulations such as the Discipline of Marriages, Family living, social life etc. by ‘Manus’ or The Period Heads who keep changing from time to time as the ongoing phenomena of Creation and

- - Sub-creation of the Universe.The cause and momentum for creative activity in the Universe is provided by the Nature itself.The Science of the Super Force is a result of Self-propelling Action in terms of Incarnations or their Devotees. Revisiting the human abode by the Individual Soul into the physical bodies for temporary existence denotes the cycle of births and deaths.Return to God Head is the merger of Individual Souls into the Supreme Force, only to join the cycle of life once again. And Liberation is the Finality or the Final Truth.The Sum Substance of this Ten Stage Formation of the Universe was given by the Suka Muni based either on Vedic Inferences, or the Teachings of Great Sages or self-motivations.

The Muni further explained that the Supreme Force is not impersonal in the sense that an Individual Being or ‘Nara and Narayana’, not different from each other. Nara signifies Water and Narayana is the One Floating on Water. The Lord lying in ‘Yoga Nidra’ or Spiritual Slumber on Water manifests Himself all over the Universe and also releases energies to create the Controlling Entities, the Controlled Entities and Material Bodies, activities, time and modes. Narayana created sky from His Own Body as also the Sense Force, Mental Energy and Bodily Strength.The totality of these Three Formulations produced the Life Energy which paved the way for Mouth and Palate. Along side came, the features of hunger and thirst, tongue and taste, speech and digestion.The Ruling Planet of Fire was in place.The Lord’s Nose and Nostrils produced respiration, smelling and the ruling planet of Air. Darkness was dispelled by the creation of Sun.Eyes gave vision and Ears provided the sense of hearing.Then followed the physical characteristics of matter as also feelings of sensations such as softness, hardness, warmth, cold, lightness and heaviness as experienced by skin and skin pores.Hands and legs and their parts like palms, feet and fingers as well as the strength and felicity of movement was provided by the agency of Lord Indra. Other organs and allied actions were organised too by the concerned controlling , such as the genitals for sex and procreation by Prajapathi; refuse evacuating organ by the controlling , Mitra and so on.Thereafter, the Omnipotent Force created various other organs, sensations, functions and activities like the navel, abdomen, intestines, arteries, the nervous system, heart, lungs, kidneys and mind.The seven elements of human body, viz. the inner layer of skin,outer skin, flesh, blood, fat, marrow, bones and the Life Force Itself, are governed by the Five Elements of Universe or ‘Pancha Bhoothas (Earth,Water, Fire, Air, and Sky). Various sensations or action-reaction syndrome of individual existence are governed by Six Proactive Compulsions named the ‘Arishat -Vargas’ viz. ( Desire), Krodha ( Anger), Moha ( Infatuation), ( Arrogance) and Matsara ( Jealousy).The Inter- relationship of human beings- or for that matter of any of the variegated species, whether animate or otherwise- and of the Super Force is strictly as per the Regulative Principles of the Supreme Power.There are no exceptions to escape results of past actions or ‘Karma’ from Brahma down-wards, including His sons like Daksha, Period Heads like Vaivasvata Manu, Demi-Gods like Indra, , Chandra or Varuna; Great Sages like Bhrigu, Vyasa or Vasishtha; Gandharvas, Vidyadharas, , Kinnaras, monkey-shaped Kimpurushas, Demons, Pisachas, Goblins, Ghosts, Human beings, all and any species of animate or inanimate nature.The cycle of births and deaths- creation and destruction-is an everlasting phenomenon of Existence.

The Example of Vidura the Virtuous

After the abstractive discussion from the Higher Levels of Learning, Maha Muni referred to the memory of one of the less celebrated personalities of Maha Bharatha, Vidura, the able Prime

- - minster of and the offspring of Veda Vyasa. Mahi Muni Suka inferred that a change of Topic was sought by the King to recall the Story of a noble person from his own clan, known for Virtue and Justice. Vidura was convinced that the Gang of Four, the ‘Dushta Chatushtaya’ comprising , Dussasana, Shakuni and were all along giving a raw deal to their Cousins-- and victimised them from time to time,starting from an attempt to kill Pandavas in a ‘Lac Palace’; their disappearance till their Wedding with ; the division of the Kingdom between Kauravas and Pandavas; the ‘Rajasuya Yaga’- or the Annoucement of Royal Supremacy by Pandavas and the jealousy of Kauravas versus Pandavas; the unjust Game of Chess which led Pandavas to lose their Kingship and a penalty of twelve years of forest life and a year’s disguised existence in the Court of a lesser valued King Virat; the successful completion of the penalties by Pandavas and finally the refusal by Kauravas to restore their due share of the Kingdom to Pandavas. Apparently, Vidura did not like the villanny of Kauravas and the helplessness of , and other Elders of Kauravas, including his own. Vidura thus hung his bow and arrows as a symbol of resignation and left Hastinapuram, the Capital of Kauravas on a pilgrimage, just while the Great Battle of ‘Maha Bharat’ was round the corner.

During his long duration of pilgrimage, Vidura visited those places of renown where Krishna spent long spells of time, as Krishna was his Hero, a Role Model and indeed his Godhead. He visited ( as the Holy place of Rama, viz. Krishna’s earlier Incarnation), , Dwaraka and places around. Onwards, he visited ‘Prabhasa’ the once Glorious Capital of ‘Yudhishtara’ and travelled to perform rites to Vidura’s own relatives who died of burns in bamboo houses catching fire, at various other pilgrimage points along the banks of River . In course of his travels, Vidura met Uddhava, the childhood friend of Lord Krishna and discovered that the Great Battle was over and there were innumerable changes that had taken place thereafter. Lord Krishna Himself left for Dwaraka and provided spiritual solace to millions of His devotees. He ruled the hearts of His subjects for long number of years and finally left His Mortal Body.Uddhava provided a complete run of the scenario of the Post War happenings, including the Story of Pandavas on one hand and that of Lord Krishna and His Activities at Dwaraka. Both of the great devotees of Lord Krishna exchanged experiences and memories of Krishna’s childhood, the series of miracles that happened from the stage of transfer of the baby from Mathura to across the River Yamuna on a rainy midnight, the various attempts made by Demons like Pothana, Sakatasur and Dhenukasur; display of the entire Universe in His mud- eating mouth to Mother ; the taming of Kaliya Serpent; the lifting of Govardhana giri by His little finger to destroy Lord Varuna’s ego; the killings of Kamsa, Sisupala and several other Kings of Evil; the constant protection of the well-meaning Pandavas; the highly diplomatic dealings with wicked forces like Kauravas; the Great Vision of ‘Virat Swarupa’ to revive confidence to devotees and demoralise the egoistic and sinful.

Vidura’s deliberations with Sage Maitreya on ‘Maha Tatva’

Uddhava referred Vidura to meet Sage Maitreya on the banks of the Holy River Ganges.Sage Maitreya recognised Vidura not only as the worthy offspring of Vadavyasa but as Lord Yama, the demi-god of Death and the King of Justice in his previous birth. He was born in the earthly form owing to a curse of Mandanya Muni. Sage Maitreya explained the Concept of ‘Maha Tatva’-the Great Philosophy- of the Fundamental Truth of ‘Kaaranam’ ( The Cause), ‘Karanam’

- - (the Action) and the ‘Kartha; ( the Doer). The Cause and Effect are the formulations of Illusion ( or fallacy) whereas the ‘Doer’ is the Truth or the Mighty Lord. Normally, one tends to imagine that an action is performed by a human being and the reason for doing so is one’s own mental frame of mind. But that precisely is the false impression or wrong assessment of the actuality. It is our gross ignorance which leads us to the conjecture of the three features.viz. Reason, Action and End-result; indeed these are just one and the same. Sage Maitreya further explained that the Falsity of human thinking was the resultant interaction of senses, as represented by Sky, Sound, Air, Light and Earth and the senses of touch, taste, hearing, seeing, thinking and so on got transformed further to Energy or Electricity and Timing or Time. The physical elements thus provide the end-results of material existence, sense of happiness, or material misery and so on. Subsequently, actions are taken as an interplay of the senses, timing, energy, speed and mind. Thus the cause and effect of actions are merely confused as have been executed on one’s own, but not as a volition of the Almighty. The ‘shell’ therefore covers up and misleads the existence of the‘kernel’, which indeed is The Truth. It is most irrational and even foolish to think that the so-called modern science and technology has been discovering various facets of human existence as a result of discoveries, knowledge and human endeavour and mental excellence! The First, Second and Third Person expressions of ‘I’ or ‘We’; or ‘you; as also‘He’,’She’or ‘It’and ‘They’ in any human language are only for distinguishing individual existences in a typically social context but certainly not in the Macro-Form or in the Cosmic Sense.

The Concept of ‘Mahatatva’having been propounded, Sage Maitreya described the principal features of ‘Virat Swarupa’ and how Lord Brahma responsible for Creation was born from the Lotus Head out of Lord’s navel, the roots of the Lotus having been entangled with Millions of Hoods of ‘Sesha Naga’( The Gigantic Serpent) bearing the brunt of the Lotus Stem. On top of the Stem were actually three trunks, on which were seated the ‘Pancha Mukha’ Brahma ( The Five Headed Brahma visioning the Five Directions including the overhead view) and Two other Trunks representing the Gods of Preservation ( Vishnu) and of Destruction ( ).Lord Brahma, who had the initial responsibility of Creation, made sincere prayers to the Super Energy as far and effective as he could describe the Latter, most humbly beseeched Him to guide him to initiate the process of Creation. The Super Lord provided the Radiance and Knowledge necessary to guide Lord Brahma as a result of which he was commissioned to take up the Task. As the Cosmic Manifestation of The Supreme Energy unfolded Itself, Lord Brahma was able to initiate the Process. There were Ten types of Maha Tatva : The first formulation was in regard to the Creation of ‘Maha Tatva’ or the sum and substance of Matter and its Ingredients and their interaction with ‘Paramatma’- The Unknown, Permanent, All Pervading, Endless, and Imperishable. The Second one was ‘Maya’ ( Illusion) which Material Sources, Its Awareness or Knowledge and Its Innumerable Manifestations or Activities were identified.The Third Creation related to the Insight or Observation or Discernment of Senses related to the Material Elements.The Fourth Creation is the Power of Knowledge and Capacity to Pursue and Practice. The Fifth Creation relates to the regulation and management of Mental faculties or in short of the psyche, of plus factors of goodness, devotion, calmness, selflessness or eqanimity.The Sixth Creation is the control of sinister feelings of anger, lust, infatuation, pride and ignorance. The fifth and sixth Creations are the displays of natural creations of Almighty either by way of developing the noble and virtuous impulses or by way of negating the mind -sets to control evil thoughts.The Seventh Creation is related to immovable objects like of trees, creepers, bushes, and flowers, fruits and other edibles/inedible.The Eighth Creation is of animals, birds, water-

- - based items and a huge variety of bipeds, quadruples and crawling species specified or other wise. The Ninth Category of Creation has a distinct identity which is of human beings, at once angelic or devilish, happy or miserable, greedy and generous and above all, the highly complicated and complex entities that only Gods could deal with!The Tenth Creation is of demi- gods, according to Bhagavatha Purana,are of eight categories ( in addition to Prakritha and Vaikritha Creations): demigods; forefathers; ‘Asuras’ or Demons; ‘Gandharvas’ or ‘’ or Angels; ‘’ and ‘’; ‘Siddhas’, ‘Karanas’, or Vidyadharas; ‘Bhootas’, ‘Prethas’ or ‘Pisachas’; Superhuman Beings, Celestial Singers and Dancers.

Analysis of Atom and Time

Mahatatva and Ten Creations having been described, Sage Maithreya proceeded to analyse the Concepts of Atom and Time to Vidura. An atom is the ‘Paramanu’ or the ultimate unit of Matter and this unit is indivisible further. The Matter comprising definable units of the atom goes into the creation of various bodies and the totality of such Material spreading over the Universe is measurable in terms of Space. The sum of Space occupied and the Movement of the Matter totals up to the Atomic Time. Thus the Matter, Space and Time are measurable. The Time Units are measured in terms of Trasarenus (a mix of three celestial atoms) and the duration of integrating three trasarenus is known is a ‘triti’; hundred tritis make one ‘vedha’ and three vedhas make one ’’, three lavas make one ‘nimesha’ or a blink, three nimeshas make one ‘kshana’, five nimeshas make one ‘kashtha’ or eight seconds and fifteen kasthas make one ‘laghu’( two minutes); fifteen laghus make one ‘nadika’ or ‘Danda’ and six or seven Dandas make one fourth of a day or night; there are four ‘praharas’ (‘Yamas’) each in a day and in a night; and two fortnights, called ‘Pakshas’ and two pakshas on a month; two months each a season, and six months make one ‘Ayanam’ or two complete movements of a year by Sun- as ‘Dakshinayan’ from top to bottom and from bottom to top direction is known as ‘Urttarayan’.Combination of a day and night , numbering 365, makes a year to human beings and their average life-time is one hundred years. On the other hand two solar movements a year of the humans beings measures up to a day and a night to demi-Gods.[ According to -Book I, Chapter III on Time Measurement Section, there are 15 twinkles of an eye make one Kashtha; 30 Kashthas one Kala; 30 Kalas one Muhurtha; 30 Muhurthas one Day (24 hours) and so on. According to Hindu Metric System Time (Kala vyavahara), a Paramanu is the normal interval time of blinking ie.four seconds; one Vighati is six Paramanus or 24 seconds approx. ; one Ghadia is 60 Vighatis or 24 minutes; one Muhurtham is two Ghadias or 48 minutes; one Aho- Ratram ( Dawn to Midnight) is 30 Muhurthas. According to Lunar Metrics, a Lunar day or Thithi starts at the time it takes at the longitudinal angle between Moon and Sun by 12 degrees, the duration approximating from 19 to 26 hours; a Paksha ( fortnight) about 15 days and a lunar month of 29.5 days providing time for Sukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha; A season or Rithu for 2 months, Ayanam for 3 Rithus and a year for 2 Ayanams.]

A human year is a day for Devas. Krita Yuga had a span of 4800 Divine Years; Thretha Yuga had 3600 Divine Years; Dwapara Yuga had 2400 Divine Years and Kali Yuga is 1200 Divine Years.All the four Yugas totalling 12000 Divine Years make one Maha Yuga. One thousand Maha Yugas make one or a Day for Lord Brahma or 4320,000,000 human Years. Two Kalpas make a full day. Lord Brahma’s one month has 259,200 million Human Years; one Year of Brahma has 3110,400 million human years; 50 years of Brahma is one Parardhha and two

- - Parardhhas or 100 years make one Para or a Maha Kalpa ( a mind- boggling 3110,400, 000,000 million human years). [Interestingly, we are now currently existing in the 28th Kali Yuga of the First Day of the First Year of the Svetha Kalpa, second parardha of Brahma, in the reign of Vaivasvatha Manu ( the Seventh Manu in the Order). Kali Yuga( Iron Age) is stated to have begun on 17th February 3102 BC of Julian calendar. Each Cycle of Four Yugas has one day of Brahma, called Maha Yuga and 71 Maha Yugas are ruled by successive Manus.It is estimated that Brahma is 51 years old and has already lived 155 trillion years, since He took over!] During the First half of Lord Brahma’s Existence, there were Two Kalpas viz. Brahma Kalpa ( or when Vedas came up as ‘Swayambhu’ or on their Own) and Padma Kalpa ( when the Incarnations of The Lord dominated). Now, the Second Half of Lord Brahma’s Existence has just begun, the Third Kalpa –The Varaha Kalpa- is now in progress.

Further Creations of Lord Brahma

Sage Maithreya had thus explained the Concepts of Time and Atom to Vidura and proceeded further to describe about which commenced with creating realities of Existence such as sense of death, self-deception, anger, frustration, feeling of ownership and illusion. But the very first creation of negative impulses did not satisfy Lord Brahma and as such gave the birth to the -Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanat and Sanatana. He asked the Kumaras to create their own progeny, but they declined to do so as they were in the practice of seminal flow upwards in their bodies.This had irritated Lord Brahma and from the folding of His eyebrows, was born . Brahma designated a few places to reside Rudra the Chief of Demi-Gods, such as the heart, the senses, Prana Vayu ( The Air of Breathing), and the Five Elements of Life. Brahma also gave Rudra eleven other names,viz. , Manu, Mahinasa, Mahan, Siva, Rithidwaja, Ugrareta, Bhava, Kala, and Drithavratha. He also created eleven Rudranis, viz. , Dhriti, Rasala, Uma, Niyut, Sarpi, Ila, Ambica, Iravati, Svadha and Diksha. But Rudra in turn produced progeny of furious nature and Brahma was upset that such progeny might create chaos and imbalance in Nature and thus forced Rudra to eternally practise penance therafter. Lord Brahma decided thus to create Ten sons: Narada ( concieved from the thoughtfulness of Brahma, hence known to the posterity as ‘ Puthra’); Vasishtha from His Breathing; Daksha from a Thumb, Bhrigu from touch; from a hand; from ears; Angira from mouth, Atri from eyes, from mind and from navel. In addition, religion emerged from His breast, irreligion or sacrilege from His Back and death from Brahma’s Living identity; lust and desire from the Heart; anger from eyebrows, greed from lips, power of communication from mouth; ocean from genitals; and all evil activities from anus, the seat of sin. Sage Kardama was born from Brahma’s shadow. When Vak Devi or Sarasvati was born, Brahma was infatuated with her and when Prajapaties or His Sons, appealed to Him, He was ashamed of the evil design on her and manifested Himself as haze in darkness. Emerging from His Four Front Heads came out from His Mouths the Four Vedas-Rik,Yajur, Sama and Atharvana. Vedic Hymns, Ritual and Allied such Recitations too emerged from the Front Heads. The Fifth Head on the rear side came out Puranas and Historical Accounts of The Supreme Force thus envisioning the Past, Present and Future. Side by side, the various Sciences of Physiology and Medicine, Art and Architecture, Music and Dance, Astronomy and Gastronomy, Military and Finance and so on inclusive of all the’ Chatur Shashthi’ ( or sixty four) types of Professions or their various specialisations were emanated. The Eight Categories of Fire Sacrifices and their methodologies of performance were descibed too, viz. Sodasi, Ukta, Purusi, Agnistoma, Aptoryama, Atiratra,

- - Vajapeya and Gosava emerged from the eastern mouth of Brahma. From the other mouths were announced the Orders of ‘Chaturvarnas’ or the Four Caste System and Their ‘’ or duties; the Thread Ceremony of Twice Born or the Brahmin caste, abstinence of sex, the duties of Four Stages of life,viz.Brahmacharya ( Student life), ( Married Life), ( Retired Life) and Sanyasa ( Spiritual Life).Of the Retired Life, there are , Valakhilyas, Audumbaras and Phenapas. Pranava Omkara manifested from Lord Brahma’s heart and the came out of His skin. The ‘usnik’ or the method of literary expression of Vedic Hymns was created from His hairs of the Body, ‘Tristup’ from His flesh, ‘Anusthup ’ from His veins, and ‘Jagati’ from bones. Of the alphabet words, Brahma created Consonants and Vowels from His Soul and Body respectively and the sensual activities as the Seven Notes of Music,Viz. ‘Sa’, ‘Re’, ‘Ga’, ‘Ma’,’Pa’ ‘Da’ and ‘Ni’.

Brahma’s son Manu ( also known as Swayambhu) married Satrupa and they had two sons Priyavrata and Uttanapada and three daughters viz.Ahuti, Devasuti and Prasuti. Ruchi, Kardama and Daksha were married to the three daughters respectively. The offspring of Manu were added thus to the great humanity.Among the daughters of Daksha and Prasuti, Diti was one of the many daughters who was married to Sage Kasyapa. Sati was another sister of Diti and the former was Lord Shiva’s consort. Diti gave birth to two Demon Kings, and . In their previous lives, the Demon Kings were actually the Gate Keepers of ‘’, the Abode of Lord Maha Vishnu. Although the Gates of Vaikuntha were never closed, the Two Gate Keepers, named Jaya and Vijay had stopped entry to the Renowned Kumara Brothers to approach Lord Maha Vishnu. The Boy-Rishis were Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanat Kumar and Sanatana. After protests to the Gate Keepers, the Boy-Sages gave them a curse to become ferocious King Demons born to Diti and Kasyapa; they however begged of the Kumaras to receive boons to get killed by Lord Vishnu Himself. That was the reason as to why, the Lord had to assume the Incarnations of Varaha, Narasimha and so on. As soon as Diti gave birth to the sons, there were natural calamities, planetery movement was odd, and there was a very high commotion the World over. As the Demon Brothers grew, the Heavens were the targets and the entire lot of demi-Gods trembled out of fright. The major casualities were the Earth and Oceans and the complete planetery system went out of gear. Lord Brahma who granted boons the the Demons himself had the taste of uneasiness and discomfort as the Earth was being rolled up as though it was like a carpet and was hurled into the depths of the huge Ocean by Hiranyaksha, the elder Demon King. That was the crisis when Lord Vishnu had to act. The boons granted by Brahma to Hiranyaksha excluded the detailed list of species of which there was the animal of a Hog that was ommitted. As such, the Lord discovered the loophole and took to the manifestation of a boar.His appearance as finger long , the Boar grew up in stature and strength occupying the Sky and Water, lifted the massive weight of Earth which sank deep in Mighty Water, and by Power and Energy displayed by Its Massive Tusks, a mighty push high from the Water, tossed up Earth in order and balance. The Most Invaluable Vedas and Innumerable and Priceless Sciptures handed by Lord Brahma to Humanity were retrieved and finally after a prolonged cosmic war between the Evil and Truth, massive destruction and recovery, Order and Chaos, the Demon King got annihilated. The very existence of Earth would have been jeopardised and the Scheme of Lord’s Creation would have been falsified except for the gigantic effort made by the Super Force, in the Form of Varaha.Vidura enquired as to what followed, once normalcy was witnessed after the eventful extermination of Hirnayaksha. Maitreya replied that when the equilibrium of the modes of Nature got disrupted, there was a false ego and domination of

- - ‘Rajas’ Guna which took the lead. Brahma evolved a shadow of illusion and formed five kinds of ignorance,viz.tamisra, andha misra, tamas, moha and mahamoha. The aspects of passion, sex and infatuation predominated. Simultaneously, there was gaining importance to ritual aspects of religion including meditation, concentration,austerity, and penance. This trend has set in motion the streams of passion and avarice on the one hand and the practices of Virtue as promoted by Manu and His progeny on the other.

‘Manu’ and Progeny

Being inquisitive of the activities of Manu and His progeny, Vidura continued his queries to Sage Maitreya. Swayambhuva Manu had two sons, Priyavrata and Uttanapada, both of them governing territories of their own on the lines prescribed by Manu. The latter’s daughter Devahuti was wedded to Sage Kardama, a perfectionist of eight-fold Yoga System. In fact, their union was so ideal that there could not be a better choice from either side.Besides being the daughter of Emperor Manu, Devahuti was an unparalelled beauty and Kardama was not only a Great Sage of Virtue but had actually experienced Lord Brahma’s audience. The Wedding was performed by Manu with such great pomp and show that there were few parallels what with lavish festivities and celestial dances and music. The City of Barhispati in Brahmavartha was a shining example of material wealth and spiritual excellence and the Hairs from the Body of Lord Varaha who killed Hiranyaksha fell down and originated the crops of ‘Kusa’ grass used all over the Universe for seating Sages on mats and to utilise the material for all sacrificial purposes. The bride is a paragon of rare grace and virtue and Sage of Kardama improvised by his Yogic powers, a massive Flying Palace, with Golden walls and floors studded with of precious stones and jewellery enabling to visit places any where in the Universe, as a gift to his wife! As blessed by Lord Brahma Himself, Kardama provided great conjugal happiness to Devahuti and blessed them with nine daughters with illustrious husbands : Kala to Marichi; to Atri; Shraddha to Angira; Havirbhu to Pulastya; Gati to Pulaha; Kriya to Kratu; Khati to Bhrigu, and to Vasishtha and Shanti to Atharva. As ordered by Lord Brahma again, the Couple of Devahuti and Kardama gave birth to Sage Kapila who would innovate and perfect the Sankhaya Yoga and many other Scriptures. In course of time, Sage Kardama left for the forests to pursue the Eternal Truth and Devahuti was in the care of her son, Kapila. Kapila guided his mother about the the nuances of the Yoga system and the content, methodology and intensive practice of devotional services which alone would enable move forward to self-realisation.

Sage Kapila and Sankhya Yoga

In this context, Kapila enumerated the basic principles of Sankhya Yoga. Sankhya literally means counting the numbers. ‘Prakriti’ or Material Nature comprises specified twenty four manifested forms of Existence and provides the means of reaching the stage of ‘Purusha’or the Super Energy. ‘Atma’ or The Soul is the twenty fifth form while the twenty sixth is of ‘Paramathma’ or the Super Soul. The conduit between the Material Nature and the Super Energy is ‘Prardhana’ or Prayer which possesses three modes of Nature viz. Goodness, Passion and Ignorance. It is the amalgam of Three Subtle Elements of the Astral or Comprehensible Body , namely False Ego, Intelligence and Mind; Five Basic Elements of Nature ( Earth,Water, Fire, Air,and Sky); Five Sense Objects ( Sound,Taste, Smell, Touch and Sight); Five Knowledge Acquiring Senses ( Nose, Tongue, Eyes, Ears, and Skin), and Five Working Senses (Voice,

- - Legs, Arms, Reproductive Organs and Evacuating Organs). The Factor of Time is indeed the Binding Force of all the Natural Elements, Physical Elements, Internal Senses and Body Actions which has to coordinate with the ‘Mahatatva’vis-a-vis Illusion and this is the Prayer all about!

The Eight Stages of Yoga

‘Yama’(Prohibitions and Restraints); ‘Niyama’ (Promotion of Virtues); ‘Asana’ ( Posture of Seating, preferably ‘Padmasana’ ie.placing the right foot on left thigh and vice versa); ‘Pranayama’( Breathing Excercises); ‘Pratyahara’(Withdrawal of Senses); ‘Dharana’ (Concentration), ‘Dhyana’ ( Meditation); and ‘Samadhi’( Trance or Amalgamation of Mind on a single target). Thus Yoga is defined as the control of the contents of mind, stillness of thoughts, and Eternal Soul experiencing Its own Nature. [ Yoga or Rajas/Ashtanga Yoga is somewhat akin to ‘Sankhya Yoga’ in which Eight Limbs are utilised and is divided into four parts,viz. Samadhi(Trance), ‘Sadhana’ ( Practice), ‘Vibhuti’ ( Mystic Powers) and ‘Kaivalya’ (Attainment the Ultimate). In a way, is also related to Ashtanga Yoga by which the emphasis is on physical energy, while the accent is more pronounced on the alignment of physical power with that of Spiritual Focus].Sage Kapila compared the Manifestation of Material Energy to a Super Egg of the Universe and the Innermost layer is ‘Mahatatva’within which is the presence of Supreme Energy. In each of its inner layers- spread out one over another and getting thicker and thicker- there is an existence of various Materials. The outermost layer is Prarthana or Prayer and the outer shell is the Illusion or Maya.The peeling of layers one by one is indeed a process which has endless tribulations, but the process could and should commence from detachment from material manifestations, high intensity of devotion, and ever increasing comprehension of the Supreme Power. Practice of Yoga is not only the control of Physical components of the Body but the mind, the conscience, the Soul, the thought and action. But of course the regulation of daily life by way of avoiding the excesses of desire, envy, avarice, and anger are essential. Promotion of Virtue, Nobility, Equanimity, Balance of Mind, Celibacy and and above all an awareness of God are the essential features of Yoga. Kapila too thus laid stress on the Limb-by-Limb alliance of human body and Material Existence on the one hand and the ‘Vitat Purusha’.

Geneological Order of Manu’s Clan

Sage Maitreya made a diversion to Vidura about the Elder Daughter of Manu, Devahuti and son-in-law Kardama as also about their Son Sage Kapila. Manu’s other daughter Ahuti was wedded to Prajapati Ruchi and their offspring were the son Yagna and daughter , the Consort of Lord Vishnu. Yagna was married to Dakshina who begot twelve sons. Manu’s third daughter Prasuti wedded Lord Brahma’s grandson Daksha, and the latter’s daughter, ‘Sati’ was married to Lord Siva Himself. Among the nine daughters of Kardama and Devahuti who were all well placed, mention be made of Kala and Marichi whose sons were Kasyapa and Purnima. Anasuya and Atri Maha Muni were , Dattatreya and born with the blessings of Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva. Sage Atri performed such fierce ‘Tapas’ for hundreds of years, the Trinity appeared before him and blessed that they would be born with their own ‘Amsas’ or Reflections respectively. Simultaneously, the Trinity visited Anasuya’s hermitage in the forms of Sages and asked for alms. The Great Lady realised in her spiritual vision that the three Sages were Lords Brahma, Vishnu and Siva themselves and forthwith converted them as three babies

- - and placed them all together in a cradle, when the whole Universe was amazed at her own inner energies! Among Manu’s another daughter, Sraddha and Sage Angira were born four daughters, viz. Sinivali, Raka, Kuhu and Anumati and two sons, Utathya and Brishapati, the Learned Scholar of demi-gods. Yet another daughter of Manu, Havirbhu, married Pulasthya who begot sons, ( Daharagni) and Visrava; the latter was born to his two wives, Idavida whose son was the King of Yakshas and Kesini whose sons were Ravana, and , the Pauranic Characters of the Ramayana Epic. Gati married Pulaha and begot three Sage sons, Karmareshtha, Varian and Sahishnu; Krathu’s wife Kriya gave birth to sixty thousand Sages, known as Valakhilas. Arundhati (Urja) and Vasishtha gave birth to Seven Sages and Chitti and Sage Atharva gave birth to Asvasira; Sage Bhrigu and begot Dhata and Vidhata and the latter who wedded Ayati and Niyati gave birth to Mrikanda and Prana respectively.From Mrikanda was born and Prana’s grandson was Sukracharya. Prasuti, another daughter of Manu was wedded to Daksha, the son of Lord Brahma. They got sixteen daughters of whom thirteen were wedded to Dharma Viz.Sraddha, Maitri, Daya, Shanti, Tusti, Pusti, Kriya,Unnati, Buddhi, Medha, Titiksa, Hri and Murthi and the thirteen were blessed respectively with sons (Subha, Prasada, Abhaya, Sukha, Muda, Smaya, Yoga, Barpa, , Smritha, Kshema, Paraya, and finally Sri Nara Narayana). With the entry of Nara Narayana into the Universe, there were joyous celebrations all over among Sages, the Demi-Gods and even by Brahma Himself, quite apart from the Material Elements and the entire World of the Virtuous and the Seekers of the Supreme, as they all realised that an Incarnation of the Almighty had appeared to purge the Evil Forces from the earth. Besides the thirteen daughters of Prasuti who were married to Dharma, one daughter Svaha was wedded to and the couple gave birth to Pavaka, Pavamana and Suchi. Another daughter of Daksha was sent in the service of Pithru Loka.

Sati Devi and Lord Siva

And the youngest and the sixteenth daughter of Daksha Prajapathi, ‘Sati Devi’, was married to Lord Siva. This was the most significant Event of the Yuga, which occurred as an unforgettable and extremely distressing episode that caused the most furious reaction of Lord Siva and made way to the destruction of the highly self-opinionated and haughty Daksha Prajapati and his ‘Yagna’.The most painful tragedy was of Sati Devi’s invoking own Yoga power causing her demise.Since the time of the wedding of Sati Devi, Daksha felt insulted by the lack of artificial civil manners of Lord Siva and his dislike got snowballed as the latter was indifferent all along. But the Lord was highly fond of Sati Devi, quite ignoring Daksha’s envy for him as the latter had in inferiority complex. Daksha organised a huge function(‘Yagna’) and did not deliberately invite the Siva couple, although in the Yagna, Lord Agni would have been invoked normally to takepart in the offerings to various demi-Gods and Gods, including Lord Siva. The entire Guest list of Gods downward the Sages and others were invited otherwise. Sati Devi felt extremely humiliated but got desirous of attending the Function especially to meet the family members. Lord Siva advised her not to go uninvited, but she insisted. While she attended the Fesivities, the father gave a cold reception to her and those who accompanied her like Nandi and a retinue of ‘Pramadha- ganas’, Lord Siva’s personal entourage. In an Open House where all the invitees were being entertained, Sati Devi made a powerful address to her father and his party including Bhrigu Maharshi who too disliked Lord Siva. She said: “Even if there was no invitation, she made it to her own father’s function as a gesture of goodwill, despite her dear husband (who is

- - none else than the Lord of Destruction Himself) counselled against attending a function uninvited. Lord Siva had no ill will against Daksha, but the latter was highly envious of the Lord. Also, He liked her so immensely that He always called her as Dakshayani to please and respect her.But unfortunately, I have no right to exist as the daughter of Daksha who brought me to the World.” By so saying, she seated herself in a Mystic Yoga Posture, raised her ‘Prana Vayu’ (Life Air) from the position of equilibrium near the navel upwards to heart and the Central point of eyebrows, known as (‘Bhrookuti’) and while imagining her head on Lord Siva’s lap, released the Spiritual Air lit up with the Sacred Fire to merge with ‘Paramatma’. The Entire Universe reverberated with the Sound of ‘Om Namah Sivaya’. Even while the Spiritual Message of Sati’s demise was known, Narada conveyed the news to Lord Siva formally. The Lord became highly incensed and pulled out a strand of hair banged down on earth, and out emerged a Powerful ‘Bhoothnath, named ‘Veera ’who was ordered to instantly destroy the site of the invalid and illegal Sacrifice Place ( ‘Yagna shala’), eliminate those responsible for the purpose and wipe out all traces of the shameful Event. Veera Bhadra and his followers removed Daksha’s head and burnt it in the Fire Place of the Sacrifice, tore off the moustache and of Bhrigu the Head Priest, caught ‘’ by his eyebrows which were raised while reacting to a remark against Lord Siva, broke the teeth of who laughed at a wit against Siva, and similarly punished all those who heckled at the Function. The rest of the gathering ran helter-skelter for their own lives or limbs. Therafter Siva picked up the physical remains of Dakshayani on His shoulders, wandered and danced with fury the entire Universe, sending shock waves by way of earth tremors and oeanic tsunamis. Vishnu realised that the body of Sati had to be cut into 51 pieces by His discus representing as many letters of Alphabet in ) and tossed them all over(now known as 51 ‘ Shakti Peethas’or Sacred Temples). Brahma and Vishnu foresaw the tragedy and avoided attending the Yagna. They requested for mercy to Daksha and as a result provided life back to the latter by replacing his burnt head with that of the Sacrificial Goat. Also, Bhrigu’s moustache and beard were replaced with those of the Sacrificial Goat’s as also the gourged eyes of Bhaga were restored. The physical losses of other culprits were also suitably adjusted, thanks to Lord Siva’s grace and kindness. In course of time, Sati Devi was reborn as Parvathi and was wedded to Lord Siva.

[ Details of Shakti Peethas: The Embodiment name, the Organ and the Place respectively as follows:- Indrakshi/Nagapoosani-Ankles-Jaffna( Sri ); Mahishmardini-Eye - Sukkur/Karachi, ); Sunanda-Nose-Barisal,(Bangla Desh); Mahamaya-Throat- Amarnath/Kashmir; Siddhida/- Tongue-Jwalamukhi/Kangra/Pathankot ; Tripurmalini- Left breast-Devi Talab/Jalandhar ; Ambaji-Heart-Ambaji/Anand/; Mahashira-Both Knees-Gusyeswari Temple/ Kathmandu / ; Dakshayani-Right Hand-Manasarovar ( Tibet); Vimala-Navel- Temple / / Orissa (Kamakshi Temple/Kanchi); Gandaki Chandi- Temple- Temple / Nepal; Bahula-Left Arm-Bahula /Katwa /Burdwan/West Bengal; Mangal Chandika-right wrist-Ujaani / Guskara/Burdwan; -Right Leg-Tripura; Bhavani-Right arm-Bharav Temple/ Sitakunda Station/ Chattakong District / ;Bhramari-Left Leg-Trisota /Salbai Village/Jalpaiguri /West Bengal; Kamakya- Genital Organ-Kamakya Temple / (); Jugadya-Great Toe (Right)-Khirgram / Burdwan District West Bengal; Kalika-Right toes-Kalighat / Kolkata; Lalitha-Hand Finger- Prayag/Allahabad; Jayanti-Left Thigh-Falizur Kalibadi / Falzur Paragana / Bangladesh; Vimla- Crown-Kirkeetkona / Murshidabad /West Bengal; Visalakshi-Ear Ring-Manikarnika Ghat / ; Sarvani- Back-Kumari Temple /Kanyakumari, Tamilnadu; Savitri- Ankle bone-

- - Sthaneswar / ; Gayatri-Two bracelets- Ajmer;Mahalakshmi-neck-Jainpur/ Sylhet Town /Bangladesh; Devagarbha-Bone- Kankalitala/ West Bengal; Kali- left buttock-Amarkantak / Madhya Pradesh; Narmada-right buttock-Shondesh, Madhya Pradesh;Shivani- right breast- Ramgiri/Chitrakuta /Urrar Pradesh;Uma-Hair ringlets-Bhuteswar Temple/ /; Narayani-Upper Jaw Teeth-Suchindram /Kanyakumari,Tamilnadu; Varahi-Lower Jaw Teeth-Panchasagar Place, Haridwar; Arpana-Left Anklet-Karatoyatat,Sherpur/Bangla Desh; Sri Sundari-Right Anklet-SriParvat Hills, Srisailam, ; Kapalini/ Bhimarupa-Left Ankle-Vibhash, Tumluk, West Bengal; Chadrabhaga-Stomach-Prabhas/Veraval near Somnath Temple,Gujarat;Avanti-Upper lips-Ujjain /Madhya Pradesh;Bhramari-Chins-Godavari Jansthan, Nasik/; Rakini or Visveswari-Cheeks-Kotilinga Temple, Rajamundry, Andhra Pradesh;Ambica-Left Feet Fingers-Birat/Bharatpur/ ;Kumari-Right shoulder-Ratnavali / Hooghly Dt. West Bengal; Uma-left shoulder-Mithila on India Nepal Border; Kalika Devi- Tubular bones of the feet-Nalhati, Birbhum District; Jayadurga-both ears-Karnat ( place unknown); Mahishamardini-portion between the eye brows-Bakreshwar near Siuiri Town/Dubrajpur ; Jashoreswari-Palms of hands and feet-Ishwaripur, Bangladesh; Phullara-lips- Attahas Village, near Katwa Railway Station, West Bengal-Nandini-Necklace-Nandikeswari temple,Sainthia town,West bengal and Kottari-Brhamarandhra on the head-Hingula near Karachi, Pakistan. In all these Shakti Peethas, Goddess is accompanied by Lord Bhairava also, a manifestation of Lord Siva.The details given above are as per Mahapitha Purana.]

Sage Maitreya further narrated the details of the Geneology of Swayambhu Manu to Vidura, and described as to how the envy and haughtiness of Daksha Prajapati was demolished and how Sati Devi ended her life. Manu’s two sons from Satarupa, were Uttanapada and Priyavrata, both of whom served as the Kings of their own Kingdoms independetly. Uttanapada had two wives- Suniti and Surichi- and the King was distinctly fond of Surichi. Once Rurichi’s son Uttama kept his head on his father’s lap when Surichi was present too and the King lifted the boy and made him sit on his lap very fondly.

Devotion and Realisation of Dhruva

Dhruva, the son of Suniti, also tried to sit over his father’s lap but Surichi pulled him down and admonished him severely. The father had implicitly supported Uttama. Surichi’s reprimand was rather severe as she said that Dhruva had no business to compete with Uttama as the latter was the heir-apparent, even if Dhruva were the elder son, he was disqualified to be the would -be- King. She taunted Dhruva that Suniti’s son could never be the next King, since Dhruva was not Surichi’s son and if Dhruva were ever to dream then he had to better please Lord Narayana and perform severe penance to become Suirich’s son in Dhruva’s next birth! These words of Surichi and the unkind way of her vitriolic utterance had sharply wounded the young heart and mind of Dhruva.He left the Palace crying away hopelessly and met his mother Suniti. The latter consoled Dhruva and said that his father too treated her as a nobody and as such there was perhaps no other alternative for him to meditate Lord Narayana and please Him to reverse the situation. As the boy’s self-pride was shattered and his stepmother’s insinuating words were ringing in his ears, he had determined to take the plunge and really identified himself in the devotion of the Greatest and the Best. At this juncture, Narada appeared and tried to discourage Dhruva saying that even Illustrious Sages had failed in their pursuit to seek Almighty over their several lives and after all a boy like him would be only wasting his valuable life and regret eventually. But

- - Dhruva did not relent, come what might. Narada was indeed impressed and provided guidance as to how the boy should take initial steps to assume the procedure. He asked Dhruva to purify himself with the water of River Yamuna, enter Madhubana on the banks and perform breathing excercises, gradually follow the ‘Ashtanga’Yoga and develop high concentration on each of the Body Parts of Virat Swarupa, and lift up his inner energies in full alignment with the Supreme Energy.

Narada had subsequently taught Dhruva the process of conquering his hunger and thirst, anger and envy, avarice and desire, and gradual control of all material senses. He taught Dhruva the Parama Mantra, viz, Namo Narayanaya Namaha. In course of the intense concentration and alignment with ‘Paramatma’, Dhruva had discovered a ‘Radiant Vision’ and felt disturbed, and when his eyes were opened, there the ‘Sakshatkar’ or Actual Appearance of the Supreme Being was tangible. The Voice said that after the demise of his father, Dhruva would be the King, his cousin brother would be killed on a hunting exercise in a forest and his step mother would be deranged; Dhruva would rule for thirty six thousands of years as a just and noble King and finally reached the Sky as a pole star for ever, even above the Stars of Sapta Rishis! In his heart of hearts, Dhruva still got perturbed by the harsh words of Surichi which haunted his memory. He also had the feeling that whatever he was able to achieve in six months even were perhaps not able to. But in courseof time he realised that it was foolish on his part on account of both the counts, since it was the Supreme Lord who was the cause, action and the’Doer’.

Dhruva and his lineage

In the lineage of Dhruva, there came up a very cruel King, named , ( son of King Anga and Sumitha) who harassed not only his own Subjects but the Sages and the Virtuous. When the atrocities of Vena became unbearable, Sages cursed him and killed him to save the sins borne by Earth. As the Sages churned the dead body of Vena, and there came up a couple, named Prithi and his consort . King Prithi mastered the discipline of Archana Bhakti and ruled his Subjects with kindness and affection. His farmers complained about Earth since for long, there were no crops at all. When Prithi decided to attack Earth, the latter replied that the carry over of Vena’s sins was the reason of her infertility.She said that she would appear in the form of a cow and that he and his subjects could exploit the cow to the maximum. As a result, fertility of Mother Earth increased and the entire kingdom became prosperous. Prithi decided to perform, a series of ‘Asvamedha Yagas’ ( Sacrifices of horses), as symbols of Superiority of his Kingship. As the hundredth Yaga was to be performed, Lord Indra got jittery, as his own Seat of Power might be a casuality. Indra stole the Sacrificial Horse, and as Prithi’s son chased him, but Indra took the form of a hermit and disappeared. Finall, Prithi made a deal with Indra-a ‘Sahasraksha’- to make him a ‘Sahasrakarna’, ie to grant the King the capacity of hearing as of thousand ears, since Prithi was desirous of hearing the complaints or requests of his Subjects from distances! Such was the noble nature of the King. In the lineage of King Prithi, there was a king named Prachin Barhi, who had several sons viz. Prachetas who were all great devotees of God Narayana and Lord was pleased to appear as Lord Siva. They asked Siva as to why He appeared instead of Lord Narayana.Lord Siva explained to them: ‘Sivaya Vishnu Roopaya, Siva Roopaya Vishnavey’ ( Siva and Vishnu are just the same) and taught them Rudra Geet, which involved Animal sacrifices. When Prachetas performed the sacrifices, Narada intervened and said that it might be a sin to sacrifice animals as after all, they too had feelings of pain. Then Prachi Barhi

- - was given a story by Narada in his connection: There were two brothers, Agyat and Vigyat. As Avigyat ordered Vigyat to leave away far, the latter shifed to a City and eventually married Puranjani. In their subsequent lives, Puranjani was born as a swan and recognised Agyat. Puranjani said that as two human beings earlier, they might have had different views as the former forced her husband,Vigyat, to shift away to the City of hers, but as swans both Agyat and herself were the same, as both have the same soul. The only difference was while Vigyat had to go away to a city Agyat did not. The City that Vigyat selected was akin to a human body, the center of which was a stomach and there were nine gates-mouth, two eyes, two nostrils, two ears, and two oher organs.There were two courtiers, viz. mind and ego, both expressing the Self-ie. I , mine and me. There are five ‘’ or life energies ( Prana, Apana, Udana, Samana and Vyana). Kala Kanya or the old age is ready to attack the City ( Human body) and her two brothers are Moha( attachment) and sorrow (soka). Kala Kanya is wedded to Varsha ( a Year), three sixty five days as Gandharvas, Twelve Months as Warriors, and seven days as Ministers. Thus the body was wasted without knowledge of the essentiality of ‘Karma Kanda’ ( Prescribed Duties) little realising that each unit of life was dwindling, without purpose and action. Thus Narada had cautioned that the passage of time without fruitful action and the awareness of time once lost could be never retrieved.

Prajapati Priyavrata Travelled All over the Universe

Parikshith was engrossed with the stories of Prithi and Prachetas as also the several instances when Swayambhu Manu himself and generations thereafter were able to balance ‘Grihasta Ashram’ and alignment with Almighty and enquired of Suka Maha Muni about it. The Maha Muni gave the illustration of Manu’s own son Priyavrata, who even as a child got enlightenment of ‘Brahma Gyan’or the knowledge of the Super Energy and declined to marry.Then Manu had to admonish the son and advised him that not only Priyavrata was too young to be an ascetic and also human body was provided by the Lord to go through the process of a family and conjugal bliss and follow the set patterns of life viz. Balya ( Childhood), Brahmacharya ( Student life), Grihastha (Family stage), Vanaprastha ( Detachment) and Sanyasa ( Renunciation).Through the wedded life, the struggle of Six facets of life (desire, anger, greed, attachment, pride and jealousy) ought to be faced in a gradual manner and the Rules of Life be followed, although avoiding excesses in respect of each of the facets. The Golden Rule of Grihasth Ashram is to follow the example of a dew drop on a lotus leaf. Eventually, Priyavrata had two wives and had thirteen sons, of whom seven became Prajapathis as the rest were celibate. Priyavrata himself followed an ascetic life, even during the course of the wedded life. He had the distinction of travelling by a chariot the entire Universe and divided it into seven segments, and appointed seven of his sons as the Heads of each Territory. The Seven Regions were named Jambu Dweepa, Pluksh Dweepa, Shalamali Dweepa, Kush Dweepa, Krounch Dweepa, Shaka Dweepa, and Pushkar Dweepa named after his sons.

Description of Planets

Bhuloka is a Planet known as divided into Seven Parts, resembling a Lotus flower, each leaf with the names as above. Its lenghth and breadth is one million yojanas or eight million miles. Jambu Dweepa which is in the middle of the spiral of the Planet has a length and breadth of one hundred thousand Yojanas or 800,000 miles and is subdivided into nine regions. It is

- - surrounded by saline water.Sumeru Mountain is like the pericarp of the lotus like Bhuloka and is the axis of Jambu Dweepa; its height is as much as the breadth of Jambu Dweepa ie.100,000 yojanas or 800,000 miles.Pluksha Dweepa, named after Pluksha Tree, is around the Jambu Dweepa and is double the size of the former.It is surrounded by an Ocean of sugar cane juice which is also of the size of the Pluksha Dweepa.Its inhabitants- Hamsas, Patangas, Urdhvayanas and Satyangas live for thousand years and pray to Sun and Lord Vishnu; they are beautiful like demigods. Salmali Dweepa, named after Salmali Tree, is again double the size of the Pluksha Dweepa and has the Sura Sagara or the Ocean of Liquor around it, inhabiting Srutidharas, Vidyadharas, Vasundharas and Isadharas, all praying to Moon and Lord Vishnu. Among the seven Rivers of the Dweepa were Anumati, Sarasvathi, Sinevali, Raha and Kuhu and the seventh was the Home of praying to Lord Vishnu. Semi God of Moon created two fortnights, viz.Sukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha. Kusa Dweepa is again double the size of Salmali Dweepa ie.800,000 yojanas (64,00,000 miles) and is known for Kusa Grass, used for Sacred Rituals (Homams, Yagyas and all Holy Acts) and is appropriately surrounded by an Ocean of Ghee and the form of God of Fire (in mild form). It is inhabited by Kusalas, Kovidas, Abhiyuktas and Kulakas, corresponding to Jambu Dweepa’s four castes-Brahmana, , Vyasyas and Sudras. Krouncha Dweepa, named after the Krouncha Mountain is surrounded by an Ocean of and Butter and is the second form of Varuna or Water, again the size of Kusa Dweepa, ie. of the size of 1600,000 yojanas ( 124,80,000 miles), inhabited by , Rabhas, Vanikas and Devakas. Shaka Dweepa, named after Shaka treee providing fragrance all around, has the dual form of Vayu, or Air and is double the size of Krouncha Dweepa, inhabiting four castes- Ratavrata, Satyavrata, Danavrata and Anuvrata, all practising Pranayama and mustic Yoga. Pushkara Dweepa has 64,00,000 yojanas (51, 200,000 miles) surrounded by Sweet Water and is the Seat of Lord Brahma known as ‘Karma Maya’. In the middle of the Dweepa is the Mountain Manasottara. Between the Mountains of Meru and Manasottara is so much distance as from Mountain Manasottara and Lokaloka Mountain. In other words, the distance between Mountain Meru to Mountain Lokaloka, is a quarter of the diametre of the Universe, (125,000,000 Yojanas or one billion miles).

Lokaloka is the border beyond which are the three other Lokas, viz.Bhurloka, Bhuvarloka, and Swarloka. On the top of Lokaloka, there are four Gajapaties controlling the planetary system on the four directions;They are , Pushkara Chuda, Vamana and Aparajita. The distance from Lokaloka to Bhuvarloka is as much distance as from Meru to Lokaloka. That is a billion miles further.This space is named Aloka Varsha. Lord Sun is situated in Anthariksha in between Bhurlok and the Bhuvarlok. It is the Sun Planet which reveals the entire Universe from various directions and is thus the centre. Sun is the potent energy who is seen and felt to normal human beings and indeed the super indicator to all parts of the Universe, including the sky, the World, the higher planets and the lower planets.

Sukhadeva Maha Muni thus explained to King Parikshith that the entire Universe has a diameter of fifty crore yojanas or 4 billion miles. Like the grain of wheat, the lower part of the Universe topping the Earth is sliced half way of the upper part with Antariksha or the outer space as the divider. The Planet Of Sun is situated in the outer space moving forward from north to south (Dakshiyahana) and from south to north again (Uttarayana), emanating tremendous heat and light.The setting of Dakshinayana to Uttrayana is considered to be of significane as it heralds the six monthly movement influencing the trend of fortunes.As per the movement of Sun through the

- - ecuador, or beneath it or above and from Tropic of Capricorn () to that of Cancer (Karkataka) and back, the zodiac signs are passed through too in a systematic manner and the duration of day and night too are short, equal or different.When Sun passes through Aries (Mesha ) and Libra ( Tula), days and night are equal. As Sun passes through the five Signs headed by Taurus (Vrishabha), the duration of day increases till Cancer and thereafter decreases by half an hour a day each month till Capricorn (Karkataka) in Libra, when day and night are equal again.When Sun passes through the Five Signs beginning from Vrisckica, the duration of days decreases compared to nights until Capricon and gradually increases month after month till they are equal in Aries. As a rule, till Sun travels north the nights become longer and when Sun travels south the days become longer. Sun travels around Manasottara Mountain in a circle. On the Mountain to the east of Sumeru is the Devadhani, the residence of Indra, the King of Gods; to the South is Samyami, the Abode of Yama Raja, God of Death; the West is Nimkolani of Varuna, the God of Rains/Water; and the north is Vibhavari the abode of Moon. Thrayimaya, named as the Chariot of Sun visits all the abodes of Indra, Yama, Varuna and Moon traverses all the Residences of these Gods covering the words ‘Bhur Bhuva Swaha’at a speed of 27 million miles approx in one muhurta (30 muhurtas a day)! Interestingly, the Chariot of Sun God is 28 million miles long and seven million miles wide! Arunadeva, the Charioteer, controls the horses and sits in front of the Sun God, but looks backward to Sun. It is said that there might be thousands of rays of Sun, but the important ones are only seven, representing Seven Planets, Viz.Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn.[ But, as per ‘Aditya Hridayam’ Prayer: There are many more rays which are important,viz.

Esha Brahmecha Vishnuscha Sivah Skandah Prajapathih, Mahendro Dhanadah Kalo Yamah Somohyapampathihi, Pitharo Vasavassadhyah-yassvinow Maruto Manuh Vayur Vahnih Praja Prana Ritu Kartah Prabhakarah].

Moon travels faster than Sun.The distance between Sun and Moon is 100,000 yojanas( 800,000 miles). In two lunar fortnights, Moon passes through a period of a Samvatsara or a year. In two and quarter days, Moon passes through a month of the Sun, or in one day, it passes through a fortnight of the Sun. Hence, the divergence of Solar and Lunar calculations and Calendars. As the Moon is waxing, it is a day for Gods and a night for Pitru Devatas.The waxing fortnight gradually diminishes the shine till the Moon-fall day (Amavasya) and the waning Moon picks up the shine day by day till Moon-rise day( Pournami). Moon is known as ‘Jeeva’ ( life-provider), or ‘Manomaya’ (mind-alerter) or ‘Annamaya’ ( potency provider from herbs and plants), ‘Amritamaya’ ( source of life to all) and ‘ Sarvamaya’ ( all pervading). From Moon to the Group of Stars, the distance is 200,000 yojanas (16 00, 000 miles). Headed by , there are twenty eight Stars revolving on their own axis. Above the Group of Stars is the Planet of Venus (Sukra) almost of the distance from the Moon to the Group of Stars. It is a benevelont planet, especially as a provider of good rains and prosperity and moves at the same pace as Sun God. Mercury (), the son of Moon is situated from Venus ( 16,00,000 miles) or 72,00,000 miles from Earth and this Planet too is benevolent excepting when not moving along with Sun, thus causing cyclones, excess or no rainfall and dusty storms. Equidistant from Mercury or 80,80,000 miles above Earth, is the Planet of Mars (Mangal), which is generally not considered favourable, travelling along with other planets every three fortnights and creates tensions. The Planet of Jupiter ( ) is away from Earth by some 10,400,000 miles-again 16,00,000 miles

- - away from the planet of Mars- is considered generally benevolent to Brahmins and Universe, unless takes a curved path in conjunction with other planets. Saturn, which is 12 million miles above Earth is also considered generally unhelpful. Normally, each planet is 16,00,000 miles apart from another planet , but the distance from Saturn to the Group of ‘Sapta Rishis’ or the Seven Sages is 8,800,000 miles from Saturn ie.20,800,000 miles from Earth. Indeed, the Seven Sages are always the great well wishers of the entire Universe.The Sapta Rishis, viz.Marichi, Angirasa, Atri, Pulsastya, Pulaha, Krathu, and Vasishtha born in Lord Brahma’s thoughts to help in the act of Creation.(Reference Maha Bharatha; Shanti Parva).The Seven Sage Constellation of the Great Bear ( ) is indeed the great well wisher of the entire Universe. The Sapta Rishis circambulate around the Pole Star, or Dhruva , which is as good as the Abode of Supreme Lord Himself and is prayed to by religious mortals and Gods alike.

Sisumara Planetary System

Some 13,00,000 yojanas ( 10,400,000 miles) above the ‘Great Bear’ shines high the Pole Star and the‘Sisumara System’ or the Great Machine, comprising the Stars and Planets, resembling a Dolphin in water. Scholars of the Science of Astronomy compare the Formation as an Illustration or an Image of The Supreme Almighty Vasudava Himself, as this ‘Jyothi anekam’( Multi- Splendour par excellence) or ‘Sisumara Samsthanam’(The Grand Wheel Establishment) is clearly visible on the Sky, and as the The Supreme Almighty is invisible anyway! In other words, it would never be possible to comprehend the Portrait of ‘Virat Purusha’, let alone by human beings but by Sages and even by Gods or Trinity too, but one could visualise the similarity of God- Head with the Sisumara and be contented with it atleast. The various planets and a multitude of Stars revolve around the Pole Star or the Dhruva Star, each moving around in theier own Orbits at their own heights and are not clustered due to law of gravity.The body of Dolphin- like Sisumara is coiled with its head downward, the Pole Star (Dhruva) at its tail, on the body of its tail are the Planets of demi-Gods viz.Prajapati, Agni, Indra and Dharma; the base of the tail are the Planets of Dhata and Vidhata; at the hip position are the Sapta Rishis; the right side of the Sisumara Chakra are the Constellations of fourteen Stars beginning from Abijit to ; on the left side of the coiled body are the Stars of to Uttarashadha, thus balancing the body with equal weight of the Stars; on the back side of the body is the Group of Stars known as Ajaviti and on the abdomen flows the Ganges that flows in the Sky (the Milky Way Galaxy), which is the home of Solar System with an estimated 400 billion Stars and planets and thousands of clusters and nebulae); on the upper chin of Sisumara is Agasti; on the lower chin Yamaraja; on its mouth Mars; Genitals Saturn; on the back of its neck Jupiter; on its chest the Sun and the core of heart Narayana Himself; within its mind the Moon; navel the Venus; breasts Aswini Kumars; within its life-air or Pranapana is Mecury; neck Rahu; all over body the comets and pores innumerable Stars. Thus Sisumara Chakra is a mini version of the Supreme Almighty Himself. [Vishnu Sahasranamam ( Slokam 47 states:

Anirvinnah Stavishtho bhur_dharma yupo Mahamakhah/ Nakshatra nemi_nakshatri Khshama Kshamah Samihanah.

Anirvannah ( He Who Is Never Unhappy); Stavishtho: ( He Who Is Colossal); Bhuh: The Supporter Of All; Dharma Yupah :( He Who Is United With Dharma or Virtue); Maha makhah:

- - ( The Greatest Yagna or Sacrifice leading to or Salvation); Nakshatra nemi: ( He Who Makes the Stars Move or He Who Mobilises the Sisumara Chakra and along with it the Entire Universe); Nakshatri (The Driving Force of Sisumara); Kshamah:( He Who Is Most Competent); Kshamah: ( The Non- Reduceable or The Remainder Entity After The Pralay Or The Final Deluge); Samihanah: ( Regulator and Well –Wisher)] Suka Muni advised King Parikshith to recite the Sisumara Chakra Mantra as follows:

etat uha eva bhagavathah vishnoh srava Devata mayam rupum ahah ahah sandhayam prayatah vagyatah niriksamana upatistheta namo jyotir-lokaya kalayanayanimisam pataye maha- purusayabhidhimahiti: etat—this; u ha--indeed; eva--certainly; bhagavatah--of the Supreme personality of Godhead; vishnoh--of Lord Visnu; sarva-devata-mayam--consisting of all the demi-gods; rupam--form; ahah-ahah--always; sandhyayam--in the morning, noon and evening; prayatah--meditating upon; vagyatah--controlling the words; niriksamanah--observing; upatistheta--one should worship; namah--respectful obeisances; jyotih-lokaya--unto the resting place of all the planetary systems; kalayanaya--in the form of supreme time; animisam--of the demigods; pataye--unto the master; maha-purushaya--unto the Supreme person; abhidhimahi--let us meditate; iti--thus.The body of the sisumara, thus described, should be considered the external form of Lord Vishnu, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Morning, noon and evening, one should silently observe the form of the Lord as the Sisumara-chakra and worship Him with the above mantra.

Having explained the Concept of Sisumara, Suta Maharshi described the Subterranian Heavenly Planets. Beneath Sun-God, about 10,000 Yojanas ( 80, 000 miles) is situated the Planet of Rahu, basically an ‘’ who had surreptitiously taken drops of ‘Amritha’, the everlasting life- giving ambrosia while the Divine Drink was being distributed by ‘Mohini’the Feminine Incarnation of Lord Vishnu after the churning of Oceans by Demi-Gods and Demons.Similarly was another clandestine benificiary of a few drops of ‘Amritha’ and both Sun and Moon were the Demi-Gods who complained about the distribution of ‘Amritha’ by Mohini, who had used the Sudarsani wheel to deform both Rahu and Kethu.As the latter were inimical to Sun and Moon, they cause periodical eclipses. Below Rahu by 10,000 Yojanas (80,000 miles) are Siddha Loka, Karana Loka and Vidyadhar Loka and below that level is the Sky, the Antariksha where Yakshas, Rakshasas, Pisachas and Ghosts reside and hover around. There is no movement of air beyond that level and the Planet of Earth is situated some 100 yojanas or 800 miles thereunder.Large birds like eagles and Swans can fly upto that limit.

Underneath the Earth are the Seven Lokas in the sub trerrain heavens named Bilwa Swarga and the eapanse of Earth equals the Seven Lokas, viz. Atala, Vitala, Suthala, Talatala, Mahatala, Rasatala and Patala.The residents are Daityas, Danavas and Nagas, all of them highly fond of material enjoyments, excellent living conditions and luxurious palaces, gardens and such other comforts. Wine, women, food and various sensuous pleasures are common.There is no Sun, no concept of day and night, no light nor time and such other set regulations pertaining to weeks, months, years, or seasons. There is lot of illumination from the precious gems carried on the hoods of the Serpent residents. There are no physical ailmemts as the usage of herbs and vegetable based medicines is plenty. There is no bad odour of the body or surroundings.Feelings of poverty, frustration, disease and envy are alien and excepting at the set timings of death; life is

- - worth living otherwise. In Atala, there is a Demon, named Bala who has perfected mystic powers and by simply yawning created three kinds of women, viz. Swarinis, Kaminis and Pumskalies. Vitala is the Loka where Goblins, Ghosts and other followers of God Siva inhabit, and is strongly believed that the Lord is responsible for the Gold Mines and the consequent pleasures of possession of Jewellery. Sutala is the place of residence of Bali Maharaja, universally acclaimed as the King of Charity ( stated to be still alive); it is well known that out of an apprehension of Lord Indra and other Demi-Gods, Lord Narayana Himself had to take the Incarnation as ‘Vamana’ and asked for three steps of land as Guru Dakshina and in the bargain, occupied the entire Universe with His three steps of land in charity,ie. one foot on the Earth, another the Skies and Heavens and the third on his head which was pushed down by Vamanadeva’s big toe by eighty thousand miles to the Planet of Sutala.Talatala is another planet ruled by Demon Maya, who is noted for his expertise in sorcery and black magic. But Lord Siva, who is Tripurari and the Super Tantric Himself, destroyed the Kingdom of Demon Maya, who not only surrendered to the Lord but also pleased Him by his devotion subsequently and thus had the security of the Kingdom by Lord Siva Himself. Mahatala is the Planet underneath Talatala which is inhabited by many-hooded snake sons of and descendants, facing always a big threat from Garuda, the carrier of Vishnu. Underneath the Mahatala is Rasatala, which is inhabited by the most heinous and powerful snakes hiding in holes, as they were cursed by a messenger of Lord Indra not to stay open. Finally, Patala or Nagaloka is the abode of very ferocious clans of snakes headed by Vasuki. The inhabitants are multi- headed ones carrying precious gems on their hoods, some with five gems, some ten, some hundred and a few with thousand or more gems emanating radiance of extra-ordinary nature to such an extent that the gems of these ‘nagas’light up the entire Bilwa Swarga or even beyond! Nearly 240,000 miles under Patala is the Incarnation of Vishnu, the enormous Lord Ananta with countless hoods, bearing the fantastic weight of the entire Universe. Also known as Lord Sankarshana, the Incarnation is worshipped by Lord Siva, who is the embodiment of ‘Tamas’ or darkness.The massive Universe is like a tiny mustard seed on just one of the thousands of hoods of Ananta. At the time of Pralay or the Final Destructin of the Universe, the Super Power or the Greatest and the Best Ananta makes a slight move between His Eye Brows and then comes out the Three Eyed Rudra who actually manifests ‘Ekadasa ’to perform the task of terminating the Universe. That is the Grand Finale as well as the Beginning of Creation afresh!

Commencing from the description of Priyavrata’s (the Son of Manu’s) chariot travel of Bhuloka and its organised division into Seven Regions, Maha Muni Suka thus provided to King Parikshith a brief glimpse of the Great Lord’s Creation of the entire Universe, including the Loka loka, Bhur-Bhuvar- Swar lokas, the Planets, the Great Susumara Chakra / Wheel, the Sub- terranian Heavenly Planets and the Bilwa Swarga and the finality of the Universe’s existence and re- creation. Now would be an Account of Hellish Planets that the Maha Muni delineated:

Depending on the positive or negative activities of human beings pursuing various material forces, in different of modes of existence like Virtue, Passion or Ignorance, the end results are reflected in the punishments or rewards prearranged. The punishments allotted are executed in the Hellish Planets, stated to exist in the intermediate space beneath Bhu Loka and Gharbodaya Ocean. There are an estimated 28 Narakas, including Tamisra, Ardhamisra,Raurava, Maha Rourava, Kambhipaka, Kalasutra, Patravani; Sukuramukha, Andha Kupa;Karmibhojana; Taptasurmi; Kantaka; Vatarani; Pranarodha; Raktaksha Bhojana and so on. The kind of

- - cruelties inflicted on the sinners are not only severe but for long durations, some of these are for several years, depending on the severity of the sins.

King Parikshith expressed his unreserved gratitude to Maha Muni Suka that both the ‘Nivrutti Marga’ ( Liberation Route ) and Pravritti Marga ( Natural Route) of realising the Supreme Force had been enlightened. Yet, the awareness of Godhead notwithstanding, human beings continue to indulge in sins and are not able to overcome temptations even though they sure know that death is inevitable and its aftermath is indeed hell-bent. The process of repeated sinning and atonement might be infructuous.As is often stated: prevention is far better and ideal than cure, just as an elephant having been cleaned up once tends to play with mud again and the process of sinning and atonement is endless; the real root needs to be axed; lest the plant of sin would grow again and again. Maha Muni Suka replied to the King: Indeed the crux of the problem lies in axing thr root, lest the plant of sin would grow again and again.. In this context, Maha Muni provided a grand example as to how sincere atonement and complete surrender to the Almighty should be deemed as dismissal of temporary sins, as the real root is the axing the plant of sin, even before the plant grows well before it becomes a big tree!

The Story of Ajamila

In this very connection, the Maha Muni narrated an apt illustration of a devout Brahmin, Ajamila from Kanyakubja. He was an embodiment of virtue, performing all ritualistic duties including daily Agni Homams as expected of an ideal married person.Once he visited a forest to collect fruits, flowers and samidhas and kusas ( dry grass for Homams).He witnessed a highly provocative scene of a low-class Sudra male with a semi- nude prostitute in action and despite all his Vedic background could not overcome the temptation of possessing that woman as his keep in her own surroundings. He acquired gradually all shocking habits of drinking, gambling, stealing and so on, continued his sinful activities and abandoned his wife, children and aged parents. He realised rather late that his life was indeed ruined and no amount of atonement was justified.While dying however, he shouted the name of ‘Narayana’, the tenth son of his prostitute woman, out of great desire to fondle him. The Servants of Lord Yama who appeared at the scene of Ajamila’s death sought to drag him with ropes to Yamaloka. At the same time, the followers of Lord Vishnu appeared too at the Scene as they heard a sincere shout of NARAYANA. An altercation between Yamadutas and Vishnudutas followed as to who could take Ajamila’s soul, either to Hell or Vaikuntha. Having returned to Hell, Yamadutas explained the situation and Lord Yamaraja advised his dootas to lay off their hands from the dead person. Lord Yama said that a mere invocation of the pure Narayana was adequate from Ajamila’s death bed, considering his excellent background, excepting the sinful phase of his life with the prostitute and thereafter. Further, Ajamila made the big shout of ‘Narayana’ at the time of his death with full atonement that was extraordinary and astonishing. Lord Yama compared the sinful phase of Ajamila was like an eclipse-period of his life and after the evil patch of his life, he returned to his earlier stage of purity and Godliness; as a piece of Char-coal covered by ash outside but is red hot inside.

Narada cursed by reborn Daksha

Reverting back to Swambhu Manu, King Parikshith became inquisitive about the next generation, especially about the rebitrh of Prajapati Daksha, from the lineage of Prachetas and

- - his curse to Narada Muni.Daksha offered prayers to Superior Lord to purify his thoughts at a place known as Aghamarsana near a mountain in Vindhya Range. The Supreme Lord was pleased and appeared before him. The Lord instructed to lead a family life and carry on his normal duties. Accordingly, Daksha married Prajapati Panchajana’s daughter Aksini and begot ten thousand sons named Haryasvas.As instructed by their father Daksha, Haryasvas decided to perform austerities to beget children and reached a place named Narayanasaras, where River Sindhu joins the Sea. Narada appeared there and mind-washed them about the futility of begetting progeny and getting involved with family lives and the perennial problems; he advised that the real purpose of a useful life would be to follow the path of God-consciousness instead. Narada gave the Theory of Creation and destruction- the chain of births and deaths, and the futility of pursuing such a life. Haryasvas were sincere and obedient children of Daksha, but the mind-setting of Narada was so convincing that they followed the short-cut spiritual way rather than the circuitous and too familiar family route to God. Daksha lamented that his progeny opted a different route and Brhama consoled him and belssed Daksha to beget another thousand sons named Savalasvas, who too went the Narada way, since the latter was also able to convince as he did to their brothers. Being furious at what had been done by Narada to his sons, Daksha cursed Narada that henceforth the latter would be a globe trotter and would never be settled and static, much less as a family person. Narada in turn could have given a curse to Daksha but restrained in the interest of the next generation to observe the Grihasti’s life’s route to salvation.

Reborn Prajapati Daksha’s Descendents

Prachetasa Prajapati Daksha and Askini had sixty daughters, ten of whom were given in charity to Yamaraja, seventeen to Kasyapa, and twenty seven to Moon-God and two each to Angira, Krasasva, and Bhuta.Among those who were born from the daughters of Daksha were born to their next or further generations were Sankata, Swarga, Nandi, eight ,viz. Drona, Prana, Dhruva, Arka, Agni, Dosha, Vastu and Vibhavasu. From Krittika, another wife of Agni were born Skanda and Karttikeya. From Angirasa and Vastu was born Viswakarma and from Bhuta and Sarupa were born ten million Rudras as well as Ghosts and Goblins. The next generation of Kasyapa were Vinata, Kadru, Patangi and Yamini.Vinata gave birth to Garuda, the Chariot of Lord Vishnu and , the Charioteer of Lord Sun; Kadru gave birth to snakes, Patangi from birds and Yamini to locusts. Among Kasyapa’s daughters were, , Diti, , Kastha, Arista, Surasa, Ila, Muni, , Tamra, Surabhi, and Timi. From Aditi were born Devatas viz.Vivasvan, Aryama, Pusa, Tvasta, Savitha, Bhaga, Dhata, Vidhata, Varuna, Mitra, Satru and Urukrama, while Vivasvans and his wife Samjna begot Yamaraja and River Yamuna as twins. Diti’s daughter Rachana was married to Prajapati Tvasta and gave birth to Sannivesa and Visvarupa ( eventually, Visvarupa replaced Brihaspati). Danu’s sons included Visvaparva whose daughter Sarmishta was married to renowned King, , as also Vibhavasu, Kapila, Aruna, and Viprachitti whose wife Simhika gave birth to Rahu and one hundred Kethus. From Kasta were born animals such as horses; Arista gave birth to Gandharvas; Surasa begot Rakshasas and bad Spirits, Angels from Muni; Various creepers from trees from Ila; dandasuka and other serpents as also mosquitoes from Krodhavasa; Vultures, eagles and large birds from Tamra; Buffalos, cows and such other animals from Surabhi; acqautics from Timi and tigers, lions and such other ferocious animals from Sarasa.

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New Brihaspati Visvarupa teaches ‘Narayana Kavacha’ to Indra

Indra’s Court is a master-piece of the Universe, with Indra as a cynosure, surrounded by several semi-Gods and seated along with him by Sachi Devi. Guru Brihaspati, the Great Guide and Teacher of all the Subjects of the Court was among the Principal Advisor. In this ideal setting unfortunately, Brihaspati felt humiliated by Indra, as due respect to a Spiritual Master was not paid to him as Indra started cutting short and interrupting the Guru often. In course of time, Brihaspati stopped attending the Court. Indra no doubt apologised to the Guru, but the Guru did not relent. Lord Brahma called Indra and reprimanded him for his follies and had to look for an alternative. At the request of Demi-Gods, Brahma then appointed Visvarupa, the son of Diti’s daughter Rachana and Prajapati Tvasta. Lord Brahma suitably briefed Visvarupa and taught the basic principles of an ( Teacher) who should consider Brahma as father, Indra as brother, Mercy as a sister, the planet of Earth as mother, guest as Agni and all living entities as Lord Vishnu Himself. He underlined the need for balancing the strength of Sukracharya, the Guru of Demons. Visvarupa taught the Narayana Kavacha ( The Shield of Narayana) to Indra and Semi-Gods. Being seated properly, the intial mantra be recited viz. ‘ Apavitrah Pavitro va , Sarvavasthangatho piva, Yah smaret pundarikasham sa bahyahabhantara suchih, SriVishnu Sri Vishnu Sri Vishnu.’ Thus purified, the Mantra be recited as: ‘Om Namo Narayanaya’ touching eight parts of the body systematically-feet, knees, thighs, abdomen, heart, chest, mouth and head- both in Utpatti Nyasa (Start-up) and Samhara Nyasa ( Close-up) , ie. in reverse order.The mantra is recited as ‘Ya Narayanaya Namo Om’in the reverse order. The next mantra is : ‘Om Bhagavatey Vasudevaya’ by touching the four finger tips touching the joints of thumbs, starting from the right hand and then the left hand. The next mantra is recited as ‘ Om namo vishnave namah’, by aligning Om with heart, ‘Vi’ with top of the head, ‘sh’with eyebrows, ‘na’with tuft (sikha’),‘ve’with eyes,‘na’with joints of body and ‘mah’ as a weapon.While reciting the mantras, one should visualise the Supreme Lord seated on Garuda’s back and with his eight arms Viz. conchshell, disc, shield, sword, club, arrows, bow and strings. The Narayana Kavacha protects in different forms of the Supreme Force, such as Matysa ( Great Fish) from water, Vamana ( The Dwarf) from all the three Worlds, Narasimha ( Man-Lion) in forests and battle fronts, Varaha ( The Boar) from the bottom of the Seas, Parasurama with axe from Unkind Kings and Mountains, Rama from tribulations in foreign countries, Narayana from false religious systems, Nara from unwanted pride, Dattathreya from mystic forces, from undue desires, ( Tortoise) from hellish planets, Narada from worship offences, Dhanvantari from physical ailments, Rishabhadeva from extreme heat and cold, Yagna from defamations, Balarama from reptiles, Vyasa from ignorance, Buddha from laziness, Kalki from irreligion and so on. The ‘Kavacha’ provides protection to the devotees during day and night by Kesava, Narayana, Madhava, , Vishnu, Madhusudana, Hrishikesa, Padmanabha, Janardana, and . Similarly, the eight arms provide protection from all possible evils and ventualities. Narayana Shield is meant for each and every body, from Devatas to normal mortals.With the help of Narayana Kavacha, Indra defeated demons and rejuvenated the supremacy of Devas again.

Visvarupa reborn as Vrittrasura

In course of time, Indra got suspicious of the intentions of Visvarupa, the newly appointed Guru of Devatas; although Visvarupa was the son of Prajapati Tvastha, his mother Rachana was

- - the daughter of Diti whose credentials were of Demons. While performing ‘Homams’/ ‘Yagnas’, he was in the habit of reciting the offerings to Fire God meant for Indra, Varuna and other Devatas loudly, but offered ‘Ghee’(classified butter) secretly to demons as well.Also, Visvarupa who had three heads, used to consume ‘Soma Ras’(Nectar) with one mouth, another with Wine and the third one with food. In a fit of rage, Indra killed Visvarupa, despite the knowledge that killing a Brahmin Priest would attract heavy penalty which was cleared by suitable means eventually..On learning what Indra did, Tvastha performed high-quality spiritual ceremonies with a view to avenge the death of his son. As a result, a huge, frightful figure emerged from the Fire-pit, who looked like capable of destroying the entire Universe. Tvasta named the giant demon as , as he was the product of enormous asceticism covering all the planetery systems. The entire army of Devas, headed by Indra, pulled out their collective strength pitted against the one man militia of Vritra to no avail. They had to, in fact, run in different directions in sheer self defence. Finally they made a group prayer to Lord Vishnu for a quick solution as Vritra was growing in power minute by minute. The divine response came that Sage could only help retrieve the ugly situation. The Sage assimilated spiritual knowledge and passed on the same to Asvini Devatas who attained the position of Jeevan Muktha ( Liberation in life itself).The Mantras, including Narayana Kavacha was passed on to Prajapati Tvasta who in turn passed it on to his son Visvarupa too.The Narayana Kavacha fortified the body of Sage Dhadhichi and only the backbone of the Sage could help to put an end to Vritra. The Devas thus made a collective prayer to Dadhichi to spare his body for the noble cause of ending Vritrasura. Dadhichi consented and his back- bone was converted into a mighty Thunderbolt by the Divine Architect, Viswakarma. A ferocious battle followed then, when was ending and Threta Yuga was being ushered in, as the entire force of powerful Demons headed by Vritrasura on one side and the mighty Demi Gods headed by Indra seated on ‘Airavatha’- the Heavenly Elephant- fortified in his arms with the thunderbolt made out of Dhadhichi’s back bone prepared by Viswakarma. Before using the Thunderbolt, Vritrasura became furious and fought Indra on one to one basis. He tormented and put Indra to shame.He taunted Indra to say that he made the heinous crime of killing a Holy Brahmin,Viswarupa and got away from the sin in a surreptitious manner. He cursed Indra and told that he was a coward and culpable.Without the Thunderbolt he would have been reprehensible. Vritrasura further said ‘Almighty in His enormous Wisdom showed the way to kill me to stabilise order in the Universe and that the kind of death which has been awarded to me by Super Force Himself is my reward and not a punishment, as He is the Creator, Preserver and Destroyer and His decision is ultimate.’ By so saying Vritrasura invited the Thunderbolt to attain Salvation. Thus ended the memorable story of Vritrasura into the pages of the Great Puranas. When Vritrasura attained ‘Moksha’, all the Celestial Planets, Demi- Gods, Gandharvas and so on praised his valour, but Indra was the single being who was remorseful as he had the Guilt Complex to have killed two Brahmins,Visvarupa and Vritrasura. Indra’s sinful reaction was chased by a feeling that a Chandala woman of old age suffering from untouchable diseases, till Indra ran away to Manas Sarovar, the abode of Goddess Lakshmi. When Demi-Gods, and Sages advised Indra to attain freedom from the sin to perform the Yagna of Asvamedha or Sacrifice of Horse in Vedic Method then only Indra got absolved of the sin.

Narada teaches ‘Narada ’ to Chandraketu

But King Parikshith raised a pertinent question as to how a demon like Vritrasura was considered a great devotee of Lord Narayana, despite the fact he created havoc in the Universe and

- - tormented Indra and Demi-Gods, even being a Brahmana? To this Maha Muni Suta narrated a story given by Narada as given by Sage Vadavyasa. There was a King named Chitraketu who was very benevolent and all his subjects were contented. He had a millon wives-all attractive but barren and could not bear a child. Once Sage Angira happened to visit the King who received him with considerable attention and veneration. As the Sage sat on the ground instead of the King’s own throne, the King too sat on the ground and the Sage was pleased by the King’s humility. The Sage performed a Sweet Rice Homam to bless the eldest wife of Chitraketu, Kritadyuti.In course of time they were blessed with a son. The King had endless joy and so did the entire Kingdom. But the other wives became too jealous and poisoned the child even when he did not grow many years. The King and Queen were overwhelmed with sorrow and became uncontrollable. Both Angira and Narada helped to console them. In fact, Narada by his mystic yoga power revived the child for a while who refused to recognise the Royal Couple as his parents. Narada thus exhorted the couple to get rid of the illusion of the child and the parents, and it was thus evident that once death takes place, the so-called sense of attachment ceases as well. Each species of the Lord’s creation loses its identity and as per one’s own till the actions of the destiny of an ensuing life begins either as a plant, a bird, an animal or a human being! Narada then blessed King Chitraketu with spiritual knowledge and taught the King about Brahma and Narada Pancharatra. Chitraketu performed most intense and intimate prayers to Lord Anantadeva for long and finally, the Lord was kind to have provided glimpses of Himself and the King attained fulfillment.Therafter Chitraketu became the Head of Vidyadharas and began travelling in outer space.During his travels he had the chance of viewing Lord Siva and Mata in a congregation of Siddhas and holy Sages, when they were in an embrace as they are ‘Ardha-Nareeswaras’. Chitraketu did a foolish giggle to view the scene,even as Parvati was noticing it.She was clearly offended and instantly gave a curse that Chitraketu would be a demon. But, Lord Siva explained that Chitraketu was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu and a sincere Vishnavite having absorbed the essence of Truth and Falsity and the concept of the Self and God, a rudiment of Dvaitha or Dualism, ie of a human and God. Basically God is one but the fine distinction made out is of a ‘Bhakta’( Devotee) and Paramatma, instead of Advaitha stating ‘Aham Brahmasmi’ or ‘I am God’. The paths to Super Soul are equally proven, while interpretations might vary’.

Diti revengeful of Indra and ‘Pumsavana’ Sacrifice

Having given the background of Chitraketu and Vritrasura, Maha Muni Suka told King Parikshith that Diti, the mother figure of Daityas continued to harbour a strong feeling of revenge against Indra who killed many of her progeny. In this context, Suka Muni recalled about the descendants of her sister Aditi and herself.Among the twelve sons of Aditi, Prasni ( Savita’s husband) who was the fifth son gave birth to Savitri, Vyahriti, and Trayi and nine sons, , Pasu, Soma, Chaturmasya and five MahaYagnas.The sixth son, Bhaga married to Siddhi gave birth to Mahima, Vibhu, Prabhu and daughter Asi.The seventh son, had four wives Kuhu, Sinivali, Raka and Anumati and they begot four sons, Sayam, Darsa, Pratah and Purnamasa. The eighth son, Vidhata married to Kriya gave birth to five Fire Gods, namely, Purusyas. The ninth son Varuna married to Karsini; Varuna gave birth to from an anthill and Bhrigu was born to Karshini from Brahma. Agastya and Vasishtha were the common sons of Varuna and Aditi’s tenth son Mitra. Indra was the eleventh son of Aditi, who was married to

- - Paulomi. The last son was a dwarf Urukrama whose wife was Kirti . Sage Kasyapa and Kirthi begot the Great Dwarf Vamana, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Diti and Kasyapa gave birth to Hiranyakasipu and Hiranyaksha. Kayadhu (descendent of Dhanu) and Hiranyakasipu gave birth to Samhlada, Anuhlada, Hlada and Prahlada. The sister of the four brothers was Simhika, the mother of Rahu among the Nine Grahas (Planets) who had disguised and taken nectar from Mohini (Lord Vishnu’s incarnation). Hlada and Dhamani gave birth to Vatapi and Ilvala; the latter tried a trick on Sage Agastya and cooked a ram ( actually Vatapi) and planned to tear open Agastya’s stomach after eating the ram; the Sage knew the trick and immediately ate the ‘ram,’and said ‘Jeernam Jeernam Vataipi Jeernam’ ie. may Vatapi be disgeted comfortably. Thus digesting Vatapi, the ram,and the Sage oversmarted Ilvala. Prahlada was responsible for the killing of Hiranyakasupu by Lord Narasimha. Prahlada and gave birth to Bali, who was also punished by Vamana, the incarnation of Vishnu. Diti felt that Indra was responsible for several killings of her progeny including Hirayaksha and Hiranuyakasipu and thus her anger for Indra became intense. She thus requested her husband Kasyapa to bless her with a son who could kill Indra. Sage Kasyapa felt extremely sad that his wife was following a wicked route to bear her a son to kill Indra. He somehow desired that such an eventuality should never arise and planned to atleast prolong time for a year and asked Diti to follow very strict regime of personal sacrifice named ‘ Pumsavana’. During the year, Diti should not think ill of others, nor speak lies, nor hurt any body, nor eat flesh or fish, nor wear robes unwashed by herself, but worship Brahmanas, cows, and women with husbands and sons alive, in short follow a life of a hermit.Any discrepancy or deviation from the prescribed do’s and don’ts would not only kill Indra but would become a friend and associate. The nephew Indra knew the intention of Diti , but pretended to help her in the Daily Worships by fetching flowers and fruits to Diti and such other services. At the time of Diti’s delivery after a year, Indra who had yoga sidhis, like ‘anima’ and ‘laghima’ entered Diti’s womb and with the help of his ‘Vjara’( the Thunderbolt) cut the embryo into seven pieces and cut each piece to another seven pieces. Each of the fortynine pieces thus born became as many ‘’ who became demigods and thus Diti was purified of her envy and animosity of Lord Indra. Punsavana had thus become an important ‘’( a sacred ritualistic practice of worship) by chaste women for one year with the help and active association of their husbands. During the bright half of month of ‘Kartika’ (falling during November-December), there should be an intense worship by both the husband and wife. On the last day of Moon-rise ( Purnamasi or Pournami), the climactic worship (pujas) should take place with friends and relatives participating in the event, under the guidance of Brahmanas, performing twelve oblations to Fire God with ‘Ghee’ in a ritualistic manner by chanting the Mantra: ‘Om Bhagavatey Mahapurushaya Maha Vibhutaya Swaha’. During the entire preceding year too, the couple could -or atleast either of them- observe the prescribed daily worships to Goddess Lakshmi and God Narayana., by chanting the Mantra. Sincere worship on these lines ought to bless the couple and their family good health, prosperity, name alround and happiness.The Vrath can be done my unmarried women to secure good husbands; those who have no husbands/ sons could perform for spiritual solace.

Was Vishnu partial to daityas?

In this context, King Parikshith enquired of Suka Maha Muni as to why Diti-or for that matter anybody-might have a doubt that Lord Vishnu had always appeared to have been partial in His

- - treatment in favour of Indra and Demi-Gods vis-à-vis Demons, even when many of Demons worshipped the Super Energy; for instance, Vritrasura or Ravana or Hiranyaksha or Hiranya Kasipu and so on. What was more, when these very demon personalities were killed, they were blessed with salvation after death! Suka Maha Muni replied that Lord Vishnu is neither partial nor impartial, but just and kind always. He has no characteristics and is a ‘nirguna’ (devoid of materialistic qualities). On the other hand, all other beings are governed by the three major ‘Gunas’,viz. Satvika ( Creative), Rajas (Upholding) and Tamas ( Destroying). Actions of the living beings are controlled by these ‘Gunas’. When the Boy- Sages-Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana and Sanatkumara-desired to enter Lord Vishnu’s Abode-Vaikuntha-the two Gate Keepers Jaya and refused entry as the unclad boys looked undeserving of an entry to the hallowed Place, as the latter were governed by the ‘Tamo-Guna’. The Boy-Sages cursed the Gate Keepers to become Demons for three consecutive births and what was worse to become the enemies of that very Lord Vishnu, whom they worshipped intensely; they felt that as the Gate- keepers of the Place they suffered from excessive ‘Tamo Guna’ and had thus be punished. Hence they were born as Demons in the three successive births as Hiranyakasipu and Hirayaksha, Ravana and Kumbhakarna and Sisupala and Dandavakra. Maha Muni gave the illustration of King Parikshith’s recent example of his Grand Uncle Dharmaraja performing ‘Rajasusya Yagna’( Sacrifice of Horse) at the end of which Lord Krishna was named as the Chief Guest and Sisupala brothers vehemently protested the honour to be bestowed on Krishna. Sisupala called Lord Krishna a fake and a cheat, who killed Kings like Kamsa and so on and was a timid person to have disappeared some eighteen times when he was challenged to fight.( The fact was that Krishna gave a promise to Sisupala’s mother that He would tolerate one hundred mistakes against Himself and there after would kill Sisupala brothers.) As the hundredth blunder was committed at the Rajasuya congregation, Sisupala brothers were destroyed by the Lord Krishna’s ‘Sudarsana Chakra’(Discus).They attained ‘Sayudja Mukthi’, as originally, the Evil Persons were ‘Vishnu Bhaktas’, but due to the temporary aberration and the play of Tamo-Guna, they were cursed and punished but finally reached their original position.

Hiranyakasipu and Prahlada

Continuing the story of the curse of Sage- Boys to the Gate Keepers of Vaikuntha, Suka Muni elaborated as to how Hiranyakasipu was enraged at the demise of his brother Hiranyaksha, when he sought to push the Planet of Earth into Patala loka and the Incarnation of Lord Vishnu as the Great Boar killed him. To avenge the death of his brother, Hiranyakasupu performed unprecedented austerities to please Lord Brahma. The relentlessness of the austerities was such that fire emerged from the Demon’s ears and was spread over the entire Universe. The Five Elements were shaken up and Demi-Gods appealed to Lord Brahma to intervene. As Brahma finally appeared before the Demon, the latter solicited immortality as his desire. As that would not be possible since every being in Creation would have to perish, then the Demon asked for boons that he would be tantamount to immortality,ie he could be killed by no living entity, demi-Gods, any power in the Universe, and neither during day nor night. Thus having been empowered by the benedictions from Lord Brahma, Hiranyakasipu terrorised the entire Universe and insisted the he was God himself and as such be worshipped by one and all. His son Prahlada was a staunch devotee of Lord Narayana by birth and it became evident that the boy could not be stopped from worshipping the Lord. The Demon King engaged the sons of Guru Sukracharya, (the Head Priest of Demons), named Sanda and Amarka to use their entire patience

- - and forbearance to convert Prahlada’s psyche away from the devotion to Narayana but to no avail. Hiranyakasipu tried the essence of the Four known means of ‘Sama’ ( Intense counseling or brain washing), ‘Dana’ ( Material benefits), ‘Bheda’ ( creating aversion against Narayana and appealing for filial duties) and finally the use of ‘Danda’ ( by creating scare of death or violence of extreme degrees).Prahlada became inflexible and took to extreme devotion of Narayana in the most desperate manner. So did the father who resorted to every possible means of killing the child. An exasperated Demon King finally asked the boy to show Narayana in a column of the Hall. Out came a roar of a frightful species of a mix of man-lion entity who placed the strong body of the Demon King on the Lord’s thighs and tore of the Demon’s body to pieces. Lord Brahma, Lord Siva, the entire congregation of Demi-Gods led by Indra and the Great Sages appeared to witness how ‘Dharma’was revived as the destruction of the enormous Demon King was complete. It was possible for Prahlada alone to gradually bring down the huge fury of Lord Narasimha, Who was neither an animal nor a human being, nor any species of Brahma’s creation and the time of destruction was neither day nor night but dusk time, as per the Demon’s own charter of death wish! Hiranakasipu attained ‘Sarupya Mukti’ thereafter. Prahlada became a highly benevolent King subsequently.

Varnashrama and Grihasti Dharma in Prahlada’s Regime

Suka Maha Muni informed King Parikshith as to how Prahlada ruled his Kingdom with justice, virtue and as per Scriptures. Narada who was a witness to the manner in which King Prahlada reigned was explained in detail to King Yudhishtara. Prahlada had unreserved devotion to the Supreme Lord, profound knowledge of Scriptures, unparralelled wisdom essential for a Ruler and most importantly a high sense of detachment devoid of material desires. Indeed these are the rarest of qualities that an ideal King could possess. Taking cue from the ideal governance followed by Prahlada, Narada defined ideal values of Varnashrama Dharma-the Four Class System- to ensure social values in a Society based on Spiritual Principles. Basically stated, the rudimentary observance of religious regime demands tolerance, truthfulness, austerity, simplicity, control of mind and senses, celibacy, charity, contentment, and non-violence. These qualities are applicable to one and all. Among ‘Dvijas’or twice born-intially by birth and subsequently after the Ceremony of wearing the Holy Thread – are the three categories viz. Brahmanas ( the Class of Religious Practice), the Kshatriyas ( the Class of Defenders of Dharma or Justice), the Vanijya Classs ( the Business and Trading Class) have larger responsibilities of socio-religious nature. Brahmanas should have vedic knowledge and practice and possess the qualities of austerity, spirituality, self control, physical cleanliness, purity of thought and action and daily ritualistic worship. Kshatriyas ought to protect, preserve and enforce regulations of the society and ensure law and order. Vysyas are expected to business interests of the Society, including agriculture and allied activities.The fourth class are meant for servicing the general needs of the Society. But if one shows symptoms of a specific class, the person be accepted to the duties of that category, irrespective of origin of birth. The Veda Base in this connection is:

YasyaYallakshanam proktum / Pumso varnabhivyanjanam / yad anyaprapti drusyata / tat teniva vinirdisat –

- - Yasya: of whom; yat:which; lakshanam: symptom; prokta : described ( as above); pumsah : of a person; abhivyanjakam : indicating the classification; yat:if; api:also; drusyeta : is seen; tat: that; tena : by that symptom; eva:certainly;vinurdiset: be accepted, [regardless of birth].( :Canto 7, chapter 11, verse:35)

King Yudhishtara requested Narada Maharshi to explain the life style of an ideal householder or ‘Grihasti Dharma’. He must earn his livelihood honestly without being concerned about the end result. Constant contacts with Saintly persons; detachment and contentment without excessive possesion; treating the poor, the helpless, innocent children and animals with compassion; practising daily worship and devotion to the Supreme Lord as also Demi-Gods; performing periodical oblations to Fire God, as per are among the duties. Brahmanas are to offer rituals to forefathers during the dark period of ‘Bhadra’ month and ceremonies during Mahalaya Amavasya during Asvina month. One should perform Shraddha ceremonies on Makara Sankranti day ( when Sun moves upward to north) and/ or Karkataka Sankranti ( when Sun travels to Southern direction) as also on Mesha Sankranti and Tula Sankranti. Ceremonies are also to be performed during Solar/Lunar eclipse days, Akhsaya Tritiya day, on the ninth lunar day of the bright moon phase in the month of Kartika and on the seventh lunar day of the bright phase of Moon in the month of Magha as also on the Janma Nakshatra days. Besides on the banks of Ganges and Yamuna, religious performances be done in temples or holy rivers, lakes or Sacred Places where Saintly persons live; for example, Pushkara lake, ,Gaya, Prayaga, Pulahasrama, , banks of Phalgu river, Setubandha, Prabhasa, Dwaraka, Varanasi, Mathura, Pampa, Bindu Sarovara, Badarikasrama, Places where flows, Chitrakuta and many other Places dotted all over in Bharata Desa or elsewhere where Lord Narayana is worshipped. In the pursuit of the four ‘end- principles’ of ‘Garhastya’viz. Dharma ( Virtue), Artha ( Wealth), Kama ( Desire) and Moksha ( Salvation), there are materialistic activities mixed with‘ the means’ of Adhyatmika ( Introspection), Adhidivika ( Devotion to the Lord) and Adhi Bhowtika (Physical Well Being).One is to be conscious of the ‘Means’ and the ‘Ends’. Equally important is to safeguard the negation of the Principles viz.Vidharma or (Irreligion), Paradharma ( Principles followed by others), Abhasa ( False similarity of religion), Upadharma ( parallel religion) and Chala Dharma ( misleading innocent victims).

Thus ending the narration by Maharshi Narada to Yudhishtara regarding Varnashrama Dharma and Grihasti Dharma, Suka Maha Muni reverted back to his week-long recitation of Maha Bhagavata at the final stage of King Parikshith’s life. Earlier, he described the process of Creation and ‘’. As the first Manu -Svayambhu Manu- was retiring to the forests, the second and the third in the order, viz. Sarvochisa (Son of Lord Agni) and Uttama ( Son of King Priyavrata) suceeded. Tamasa Manu was the fourth in the Manu lineage.( At present, the contemporary world is under the Rule of the Seventh Manu,viz. Vaivasvata Manu).

Salvation of Gajendra the Elephant King

During the Tamasa Manu’s period was born Lord Vishnu’s incarnation, named Sri Hari- to Harini and Harimedha- who saved the Elephant King, Gajendra from the deadly grip of a crocodile. A massive mountain ‘Trikuta’ with an expanse of ten thousand yojanas ( eighty thousand miles) was besides the River Gandaki, where Gajendra and his spouses as also a massive collection of elephant army were bathing on the banks of the River and another King of

- - Crocodiles, along with its own group, caught hold of the Elephant King. The two animals were illustrious in their previous lives; the crocodile was the Chief of Gandharvas, named Huhu who was bathing with a party of women and angered Muni by pulling his leg and the latter cursed Huhu to become a crocodile. Gajendra was , the King of Pandyas who too angered Sage Agastya and became an Elephant King. A fierce battle followed for thousand years which was joined by the armies of elephants and crocodiles, without overpowering neither of the battling animals.Gajendra was desperate but became exhausted physically, mentally and psychologically, while the crocodile being an animal of water was doubled up with energy and enthusiasm. By the grace of Lord Krishna, Gajendra remembered from the past birth as a King and recited the Mantra: Om Bhagavatey Vasudevaya in final desperation and made intense prayers to say that there was none else Who could save him, but Him. Lord Sri Hari alighted his ‘’( Vehicle) of Garuda and on reaching the spot instructed His ‘Sudarsana Chakra’ (Disc) to slit the head of the crocodile. The curse of Sage Agastya ended and the Chief attained Salvation.Gajendra who was a grand devotee in his earlier life too attained Moksha as blessed by Lord Sri Hari.[ Harihar Temple, believed to have been built by Lord Rama when He visited the Holy Spot along with and Laxman, still continues to be a Pilgrimage Place, which is also visited by lakhs of persons witnessing the Sonepur Mela ( Trade Fair), one of the largest Animal Fairs held every year near Patna].

Mammoth Churning of Ocean for ‘Amrith’ ( Nectar)

Proceeding with the narration to King Parikshith, Suka Mahamuni highlighted the incident during the Tamasa Manu’s regime, whereafter the fifth and sixth Manus viz. Raivata and Chakshusa ruled the Universe. It was in the sixth millennium of Chakshusa Manu that Lord Vishnu had incarnated as Ajita who was begotten to Vairaja and Devasambhuti; Ajita in the form of a tortoise was wandering in the Ocean of Milk carrying the Mountain Mandhara on His back and produced ‘Amrit’by churning the Ocean. Parikshith became highly inquisitive about the famous story and requested the Muni to give full details. As the enmity and intense hatred between the Demi- Gods and Demons took unprecedented proportions, the Demi-Gods assembled on the top of the Sumeru Mountain to seek a solution. Lord Brahma instructed the Devas and Demons to resort to a temporary truce, till arrangements could be made to churn the Ocean of Milk to obtain Amrit, the Divine Drink to provide everlasting life.Garuda, the Vehicle of Lord Vishnu lifted the Mandhara Mountain and placed it into the Ocean as the churning rod. Vasuki the Giant Serpent coiled around the Mountain tightly; the head of the serpent was opted for by the Demons out of pride and the tail was taken by the Demi-Gods as the rope. As the Mountain was not stable and shaky, Ajita in the form of tortoise slid under the Mountain and provided the needed balance.Thus commenced the mammoth churning of the Ocean for ‘Amrit’. Many Demons perished from the poisonous flames from the mouth of Vasuki. As the churning progressed, the Ocean was shaken up bringing out innumerable species underneath, black clouds emerged fast across the Sky and there was terrible turmoil alround. Suddenly, the Sky looked like breaking way, emitting unprecedented poisonous flames,‘Halahal’, swiftly engulfing the entire Universe. The initial churning was terminated and Demi-Gods headed by Lord Brahma as well as the Demons screamed for help to Lord Siva to save the situation. They all prayed to Him that He was the original life force, the Maha Tatva, the Eternal Truth and the Omni Potent and He only could stop the annihilation of the Universe. In response to the desperate prayers by one and all, Lord Siva swallowed the ‘Halahal’ and retained it in His Throat to safeguard the Worlds

- - within His other body parts. Thus known in the Sciptures; as ‘Neela Greeva’-the Blue Throated, He protected the entire Universe and saved the act of Creation itself. As the process of churning resumed further, a number of Divine Figures commenced emerging: ‘Surabhi’ the Cow required for unending milk and products required for Sacred Rituals as oblations to Fire God by Sages; a Divine Horse, Utthaisvarya, as desired by King Bali of the Under World; the Divine Elephant ‘Airavata’ and eight She Elephants, which were desired by Indra to possess; Koustubha Mani and Padmaraga Mani-the jewels decorating Lord Vishnu’s chest; ‘ Tree’ to decorate the Celestial Gardens; then emerged Apsaras, the Divine dansueses to entertain Demi-Gods and Indra; the Goddess of Fortune, Lakshmi whom the Demi- Gods and Demons craved alike to possess but She Herself opted for Lord Vishnu Who is the ultimate Preserver of the Universe; then appeared the dame,Varuni, with voluptuous eyes who could control drunkards, whom King Bali opted for on behalf of the Demon World. Finally, a strong, stout, blackish and young person, known as Dhanvantari, the Physician of the Universe, whom both Demons and Demi- Gods agreed to share. But, the most awaited jar of Nectar noticed by the Demons was forcibly snatched away, to the disappointment of Demi-Gods. But, Lord Vishnu created a cover of ‘Maya’ ( Illusion) and let the Demons fight among themselves for the sips of the Nectar. In the confusion, there appeared an outstanding beauty with most sonorous voice and dazzling figure, who was Lord Himself in the form of Mohini Murthi. She had mesmerised the Demons who fell in a spell and made them request her to do justice in equitably distributing the Nectar to all by turns. She made formations as per seniority and made them wait for turns. She started with the formations of the Demons, but by means of illusion had actually commenced the distribution among the Demi-Gods. Rahu a Demon somehow got into the camp of Demi- Gods and this was noticed by Sun and Moon, who complained the fact to Mohini Murthi and immediately the Sudarsana Chakra severed Rahu’s head, but since he drank the drops of Nectar already, Lord Brahma gave him the status of a Planet; but since then, Rahu became the enemy of Sun and Moon and torment them periodically by way of eclipsing them till date. At this juncture, Lord Vishnu revealed his identity and exhorted the Demons to mend their diabolic actions and take refuge in the Superior Energy instead of becoming slaves of the Eight Materialistic Vices, Viz. Kama ( Desire), Krodha (Anger), Moha (Infatuation), Mada (Arrogance), Lobha ( Avarice) and Matsara ( Jealousy). He advised that in the ultimate analysis, only He would provide salvation which tantamounts to Eternity, which indeed the Nectar that they craved for.

War by Demons with Demi-Gods

Lord Vishnu’s exhortation to the Danavas fell flat on their ears; instead, they became more violent than before, especially as they were denied access to Nectar and got frustrated. Many demons like Taraka, Sumbha, Nisumbha, Jambha and Arista continued to terrorise Trilokas. They were also fortified with boons of invincibility from Lord Brahma on account of their intense prayers and harsh Sacrifices. Led by Indra riding Airavata the celesial Elephant, Demi- Gods like Vayu, Varuna, Agni, Sun, Moon, and various other planets, and associates retaliated. Sumbha and Nisumbha were annihalated by Goddess Devi, Indra defeated Bali, Moon fought with Rahu, Brihaspati with Sukracharya, Lord Siva with Jambha, Sanaischara with Narakusura, with Taraka, Yamaraja with Kalanabha, Surya with hundred sons of Bali headed by Bana and so on. As Demon attacked Garuda, Lord Vishnu’s disc severed his head as also those of Mali, Sumali and , as these Demons became too powerful in the battle. Demi-Gods Varuna, Vayu and Agni chased and killed thousands of Demons like

- - roaring lions to flocks of deer. After the battle ended, substantial Demon population, especially of those who claimed invincibility, got dwindled to a large extent.But the display of valour, scheming and determination in Deva- War was an unparalelled spectacle witnessed never before nor later.

Suka Muni’s prophesies about future Manus

Maha Muni Suka prophesied the prospective Manu to King Parikshith as follows: While the seventh Manu was Siddhadeva, son of Vivasvan was in rule, the Great Battle of Devas and Danavas took place and Lord Vamana was born as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. But, when the eighth Manu, Savarni commenced the rule of the Universe, King Bali became Indra, as he defeated the earlier Indra and consequently Lord Vamana asked for the three feet in charity and pushed Bali down to Sutala which was more opulent than Indraloka, as Lord Vishnu was pleased with Bali’s great quality of charity and thus made the latter contented. The ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth and fourteenth Manus would respectively be Daksha-Savarni, Brahma- Savarni, Dharma Savarni, Rudra-Savarni, Deva-Savarni and Indra-Savarni respectively.Suka Maha Muni also prophesied that the respective in the ninth to fourteenth Manvantaras would be Adhbhuta, Sambhu, Vaidhrata, Ratadhama, Divaspati and Suchi.The total duration of the fourteen Manvantaras is a cycle of one thousand Maha Yugas or one Kalpa and two Kalpas make a full day/night of Lord Brahma ie.8,640,000,000 human years!Indeed, several changes happened during Lord Brahma’s one day, comprising fourteen Manvantaras.During the Deva-Danava Battle, King Bali’s life ended but was revived by Danava Guru, Sukracharya,the son of illustrious Sage Bhrigu. In a battle with Indra, King Bali defeated Indra again and hence the need for Lord Vishnu to take the incarnation of Lord Vamana to push Bali down to ‘Sutala’ and relieve him of the position/ title of Indra. This story was given in detail by Suka Maha Muni to King Parikshith. After reviving King Bali’s life, Sukracharya and his disciple Brahmanas prompted King Bali to secure Spiritual Energies by way of performing a highly potent Sacrifice or ‘Yagna’, called Viswajit.Even as the most powerful Yagna, as conceived and perfected by Sukracharya was in progress, the Heavens received shock waves and shadows of nemesis seeking revenge against Indraloka took substantive shape. With each helping of ghee served into the Fire-pit, a celestial Chariot took shape with horses and paraphernalia including armoury, arrows and equipment required for a battle never scripted in the past. No doubt, the fight planned by King Bali was not of the magnitude of the Battle of Devas and Danavas- where the entire strengh of Evil on the one hand and Virtue on the other which participated in full force of Demons and of Gods and Goddesses including Lord Siva, Durga, Kartikeya and Supreme Lord Narayana Himself- but was only with the aim of dislodging Indra and Demi-Gods from the Heaven. Thus this was like a territorial war between Bali and Indra. At the same time, the fight was tough enough since Demi-Gods had celestial powers and armoury like Indra’s Thunderbolt and the sriking power of individual Demi-Gods, apart from the Nectar that they consumed assuring them of eternal life, if not of invincibility. As a result of the Yagna, powerful bows and arrows and other equipment of destruction known as ‘Mantrastras’ capable of attacking the counterpart arms of fight possessed by Agni (Fire-God), Varuna ( Rain God), Vayu ( Wind- God), Sun, Moon and various other planets were made available, and with the blessings of Sukracharya the battle ended with the clear defeat of Indra and his associate Demi- Gods. Thus entered Bali into the Heaven, when Indra and Demi-Gods were obliged to exit. Bali controlled Heaven, Earth and Antariksha besides the Sub- terrain world.

- -

As Bali and followers were gloating over their victory and occupying the ‘Titled- Chairs’ of Indra and other Demi-Gods, the erstwhile holders of the honours were at large without refuge.The spectacle became unbearable to the Mother figure of Devathas, Aditi, who beseeched her husband Sage Kasyapa.He advised her to perform Payo Vrata or Sarva during the bright fortnight of Phalguna (February-March) for twelve days ending ‘Dvadasi’subsisting only on milk, worshipping the Supreme Power Narayana with Arghya/ Padya/ flowers/ incense material/ lamp lighting and prasada and such other rituals, observe Karma Kanda, Jnana Kanda and Upasana Kanda, meditate Him as having Two heads ( Prayaniya and Udaniya), Three Legs (Savana Traya), Four Horns ( Four Vedas) and Seven ‘Chandas’ such as Gayatri Chanda, Anushtup Chanda, Usnik, Brihati, Pankti, Trishthup, Jagati, Atichhanda, Atyasthi, Atijagati, and Ativirath and other metered hymns. During the period, one should observe celibacy, sleep on floor, bathe thrice a day and so on. On the final three days ending ‘Purnami’, there would have to be oblations to Fire-God as per the instructions of Priests, organise ‘Samaradhana’ or sumptuous meals to one and all and satisfy the Brahmanas, especially the Spiritual Master ( Aharya) and his assistants like Hota, Udghata, Adharvu and Brahma. Most importantly, distribute Vishnu Prasad liberally to low class persons, the Poor, the invalids and animals. Sincere performance of the Sarva Yajna ought to yield far reaching results by regaining the lost glories and attaining fresh rewards. This was the essence of Sage Kasyapa’s advice to Aditi and her progeny. As advised the Demi Goddess Aditi performed the Vrata meticulously under the guidance and association of Sage Kasyapa and they were blessed by Narayana to take the incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Incarnation of Vamana and suppresion of King Bali

On Sukla Sravana Dwadasi-the twelfth day of the bright moon’s fortnight –in the month of Bhadra was thus born as Lord Vamana to Aditi and Kasyapa Prajapathi at the most auspicious time.At His Thread Ceremony, the Dwarf Brahmin Boy shone with extraordinary radiance, when the Sun God uttered the Gayatri Mantra, Brihaspati gave the Sacred Thread, Kasyapa Muni a straw belt, Mother Earth a deer skin, Moon the ‘Brahma danda’ the representative rod of a Brahmachari, Aditi a cloth as ‘kaupina’( underwear), Lord Brahma a Waterpot, Goddess Sarasvati provided a string of ‘Rudrakshamala’, the Seven Sages a Kusa Grass mat, the Presiding Deity of Sky an umbrella, and Demi-God of Wealth, Kubera, a bowl for beseeching alms.Lord Vamana attended the ‘Asvamedha Yagna’ ( Horse Sacrifice Function) organised by King Bali and the latter was pleased to grant the Brahmachari any wish, as he was the Chief of three fourths of the Universe! The Dwarf Boy asked for mere three feet of land! Guru Sukracharya got suspicious as the request was unusual, but King Bali dismissed the warnings of the Guru saying that if Lord Vishnu Himself made the desire, he would never hesitate, as after all, the Sage Dadhichi gave away his backbone and King Sibi a pound of flesh from his thighs, all for the benefit of the Universe. Guru Sukracharya made a last bid of entering the vessel to stop the flow of water as the symbol of giving away the three feet of place in charity to the Dwarf Brahmana by the King but the Lord was too clever for the Guru and pierced a grass piece ( Kusa) into the latter’s eye which got blinded forever.Thus concluded the ceremony of the charity, when the Lord expanded the body to strech his two feet- one on the Earth, another on the skies; as the third foot was not possible to be accommodated any where else-Maharloka, Janaloka, Tapoloka and Satyaloka- the King volunteered to place it on his head which was pushed down to the sub- terrain under-world of Rasatala. As the Lord was extremely pleased with the devotion of King

- - Bali, He blessed him to reside in Rasatala as an Illustrious King, and transformed the Place as comfortable and glorious as the Heaven itself as per the order to Visvakarma. Indeed the place was on the soles of the feet of Lord Vishnu Himself! Therafter, the Demi- Gods regained their Titles and Thrones thus ending the temporary phase of Demons dominating the Heavens. Aditi was double greeted by Devatas and Lord Himself for her initiative and perseverance, Sukracharya was exonerated of his indiscretions by Lord Vishnu, and the balance of power was reverted back to the position of equilibrium and status quo ante in the Universe.

Role of Satyavrata in ‘ Avatara’

Unfolding the Story of King Satyavrata and his role in the context of Lord’s Incarnation as a Giant Fish, Suka Maha Muni informed King Parikshith that the former King would become the Seventh Manu as Sraddhadeva.The incident of the Incarnation of the Lord as Fish was recalled in this context since King Satyavrata was once paying offerings of water in River Kirtimala, a small fish appeared on his palms and requested him not to throw it back in the River as big fishes might swallow it and as such keep it safe in a pot. As the fish was preserved in a pot, it became too big for the successive containers and finally grew into a huge fish which filled in an entire Ocean. The giant fish being the Super Energy Narayana Himself asked the King to await a Mammoth Ship and that meanwhile he should collect samples of good human beings, flora and fauna to be loaded along with himself aboard while the Sapta Rishis ( Seven Sages) would be already on it. The Giant Boat would be hooked on to the horns of the Fish Incarnation of the Lord and be propelled by Vasuki the collosal Serpent when the totality of the Universe would be submerged with water. Lord Brahma would have been awaken from his slumber by then since the Demon who stole Vedas and other Scriptures would be destroyed and gradually the Universe would be revived from the fury of water and Lord Brahma would resume the task of Creation afresh.

Present Manu Vivasvanta and his progeny

As King Satyavrata became the Manu Viavasvata or Sraddhadeva, Maha Muni Suka gave an account of the progeny of Manu Vaivasvanta, son of Vivasvan and Samjna. The Manu and his wife Sraddha begot ten sons,viz. , Narga, Saryati, Dishta, Dhrasta, Karusaka, Narisyanta, Prasadhra, Nabhaga and Kavi. Ikshvaku’s lineage was Vikukshi- Sasada- Puranjaya- Kakukstha- Pruthu-Visvagandhi-Chandra-Yuvanashra and Mandhata. From another son of Manu was Saryati whose daughter was Sukanya wedded to Chyavan Muni. Mandhata’s prominent son was Ambarisha. Purukusta (another son of Mandhata) was married to Narmada of the sub-terranian clan, and the lineage included Tribandhama and Satyavrata, known as Trisanku whose lineage was followed by Harischandra and Rohita and after seven generations was born Sagara and his 60,000 sons-Ansuman-Dilipa and . A few happenings of Vaivasvata Manu’s progeny were interesting. Saryati, son of the Manu, who was a saintly person, who had a pretty daughter Sukanya. The latter went round a garden attached to the Hermitage of Sage and by mistake pierced two shining earthworms with a thorn and as a result the entire group of soldiers’ urine and stools were obstructed.This frightened the father and daughter who approached the Sage and apologised for the indiscretion and in a softer mood Saryati offered the daughter to the Sage. A few Aswini Kumars, who had the powers to

- - convert old as youth, obliged the Sage with vigour and smartness . When Saryati visited the daughter, he admonished her to see her with a younger person. Sukanya clarified that the aged Sage was converted to a youth, thanks to the powers of Asvini Kumars! Nabhaga another son of Manu was also named Nabhaga and the junior Nabaga was in the father’s footsteps. The father distributed his property to all the sons equally. The junior returned to his brothers for his share of the proprety and they cheated him to go back to their father.The father directed son Nabhaga to attend a great Sacrifice being held nearby and advised him to recite Vedic Hymns so that the planetary Demi-Gods would be pleased to give riches to him. The junior Nabhaga did exactly like what his father said and indeed the planetary heads were pleased to present substantial wealth. But a dark looking person objected to parting the wealth to the junior and asked the father Nabhaga to settle the issue. The father sided with the dark person and He was Lord Siva Himself who taught them the most significant route of self-realisation rather than material wealth.

King Ambarisha was the son of Nabhaga and he was a highly exalted devotee of Lord Narayana. Once, he and his queen performed a rigorous year- long ‘Vrath’ of Ekadasi and Dvadasi and after successfully completing with charities and food-festivals on the final day were about to break their fast when Durvasa and a large retinue of his disciples appeared unannounced. The King requested the Sage and retinue for food and the Sage agreed; they departed to bathe in the River Yamuna and perform the daily worship. Meanwhile, the time for breaking the fast was hardly a muhurta away and hence with the permission of the Brahmanas had a symbolic sip of the holy teertha ( water). The Sage on return was in rage as he felt disrespected and created a demon with a trident to punish the royal couple.Ambarisha kept his cool and hardly got perturbed. Lord Narayana sent His Disc-the Sudarsana Chakra- which not only destroyed the demon, but also followed Durvasa who had to run for life.The Sage approached Indra and Demi Gods who expressed their inability to control the Disc, and so did Lord Brahma and Lord Siva. Durvasa approached Vaikuntha and beseeched clemency but Lord Narayana said that He was in the control of His devotees and as such he would have to entreat King Ambarisha only for pardon. Finally, the Sage Durvasa who cursed the devotee King Ambarisha had to seek forgiveness from Ambarisha himself!

Tracing the origin of Ikshvaku, the eldest son of Vaivasvata Manu, Suka Muni connected the lineage to King Puranjaya ( Kakustha) who fought a war between Demons and Demi-Gods on behalf of Indra on the condition that Indra would take the form of a bull. Puranjaya rode on the hump of the Great Bull and hence Puranjaya’s title was ‘Kakustha’( hump of the Bull) as also Indravahana or the vehicle of Indra.In the family lineage of Puranjaya was born King Yuvanashva, who performed Indra Yagna to beget a child. During the Sacrifice days one night the King felt thirsty and entered the Fire Spot area and drank the Sacred Water meant to bless his wife a child. As the Brahmanas found the water pot empty, they were aghast that the King drank the Water and eventually, he got a child from his abdomen. The boy cried for milk and that was not possible from the father; Indra put his index finger in the child’s mouth and thus saved him. The Boy was Mandhata, who became eventually an undisputed Emperor of the World comprising seven islands-‘from where Sun rose to where it set’. He was a terror to Demon Ravana and other Rakshasas. [He was stated to have discovered Lake Manasarovar near as he was reputed to have made penance at the banks of the Lake under the mountain range was named after him. It was believed that there was a Serpent Mansion where Mandhata

- - prayed and from a tree dropped fruits making big noises like ‘Jam’ and the area was known as ‘Jambudweep’]. Mandhata’s wife Chatrarathi alias Bindumati was a pious lady who begot two sons, Purukutsa and Muchikunda and fifty daughters. Sage Saubhari an old person who lived twelve years under water in penance was tempted to marry as he found fishes having sex and procreating children. He hesitantly asked Mandhata to let him marry any of his daughters. Mandhata was reluctant as Saubhari was diseased and old, but could not disagree as the Sage might get furious; he told the Sage that his family custom was that all the daughters must marry the same person and that even one of them should not refuse the Sage.The Sage with his mystical powers transformed himself into a handsome youth and thus all the daughters agreed to marry him. The Sage made mansions for each of the girls. But, in course of time, Sage Saurabha realised that because of the fish in water, his entire Spiritual life was destroyed and although late in his life reverted back to a more introspective life eventually and intensified his devotion to Lord Vishnu.

While Ambarisha ( son of Mandhata), Haritha and Youvanasva were the most important persons of the Mandhata dynasity, Purukutsa (another prominent son of Mandhata) married Narmada - sister of serpent brothers- and she took her husband to the Sub-Terrian Region, (Rasatala), as per the wish of King Vasuki and with the approval of Lord Vishnu to overcome erring Gandharvas. The lineage from Purukutsa was Trasaddasyu, Anaranya, Haryasva, Praruna, Tribandhana and Satyavrata or the wellknown Trisanku who kidnapped a Bahmana bride whose father cursed Trisanku to become a ‘Chandala’ or a very low class human being.Sage Visvamitra espoused the cause of Trisanku and sought to despatch him in his mortal body to Heaven, but when Demi- Gods kicked him down, Visvamitra created another Heaven ( Trisanku Swarga) on the outer- space by the mystic powers of the Sage; it is said that Trisanku is still hanging upside down from Heaven.

Harischandra an unparalled Example of Truth and Virtue

King Harischandra etched for himself a bench-mark of truthfulness and virtue in Indian mythology. As a result of egoistic quarrels between the two Great Sages of Visvamitra and Vasishtha, the former backed up Trisanku-the father of Harischandra, as the latter defended Harischandra due to his truthfulness and virtuosity. In course of time, as the quarrel became intense and climaxed in both the Sages cursing each other to become birds upto some time limit. King Harischandra ruled his Kingdom with honesty and justice for many years but he had no offspring and thus prayed to Lord Varuna, who agreed to bless him a child on condition of sacrificing the child in course of time. Each time, Varuna reminded of the Sacrifice, Harischandra kept on postponing on some pretext or the other. Rohita the son knew about the arrangement and fled away into forests to save the sacrifice. As Harischandra failed to fulfil the obligation, the King was attacked by dropsy. Rohita desired to return to his father. But Indra appeared as an old man and insisted on Rohita to go on pilgrimages. After a few years, another person as a substitute sacrifice was arranged and Harischandra was rid of the disease.The Sacrifice was performed by Harischandra and Varuna absolved the former of the obligation. Yet, Visvamitra continued to test Harischandra about his tenacity to keep up his mental equilibrium even under tough provocations; the Sage said that he dreamt of Harischandra’s promise to donate

- - the entire Kigdom to him! Harischandra proved his virtue by making the Sage’s dream come true and left the Kingdom with his wife and son. He went to Kasi which was under the purview of Lord Siva and not out of the Kingdom donated. But the Sage appeared there and demanded ‘Dakshina’(Fees) for a Sacrifice done by the King under the supervision of the former. To pay the amount, Harischandra had to sell his wife and son as also bonded himself to work at a burial place and repay the remainder debt in running instalments! His wife and son had to perform menial chores in their Master’s house-hold and suffered unheard hardships. Once, the son was plucking flowers in the Master’s garden and died of a snake bite. With nobody to help, she carried the son’s body to the Cremation where Harischandra could not even recognise the family. As of his duty, he demanded taxes for the cremation of the son’s body and she had to sell her ‘Mangal Suthra’-the Sacred Chain, the most precious possesssion of a married woman, to pay for the taxes. She had to cover the dead body with half of her Saree, and as she was to take away the rest of the cloth too to pay for the last rites, there were miracles. Lord Vishnu, Indra and Devas appeared and so did Sage Visvamitra who tested the King and the family to the lowest points of wretchedness and misery. Harischandra and his wife displayed unprecedented determination and tenacity to uphold Virtue and Self-sacrifice. The Son Rohitasya was brought back to life and was made the King, while Harischandra and wife Chandramati were provided instant places in Heavens. Visvamitra helped to populate the Kingdom and set examples of Dharma and surrender to Almighty. Harischandra’s lineage after his son, Rohitasya was followed by sons Haritha-Champa-Sudeva-Vijaya-Bharuka-Vakra-Bahuka and Sagara ( Sa-Gara ie born with poison, as Bahuka’s co-wives tried to poison the boy’s mother). Emporer Sagara performed Asvamedha (Horse) Sacrifice and Indra hid the horse which was discovered by the unruly 60,000 sons of Sagara, nearby the place where Sage Kapila was practising Sankhaya Yoga and when disturbed badly, the Sage burnt all of them into ashes by his power. Sagara’s son by another wife, Asamanjasa or Ansuman pursued the search of the Sacrificial Horse and found the Horse where Kapila was in meditation. Ansuman begged of the Sage about the where- abouts of his cousins and was informed that the hooligans were burnt to death and could be brought back to life only when washed by the River of Ganges which could only be brought down to Earth from the Skies. The Sacrifice of Horse having been performed by Sagara, Ansuman began his devotion to Lord Siva to bring Ganges down to Earth. But neither he nor his father Dilipa could succeed in the mission. It was for Bhagiradha to purse the operation further.

Bhagiradha a model of perseverance

If Harishandra gave an eternal memory in truthfulness and integrity, a person of the same dynasity proved as a role model in tenacity. His life’s mission was to bring Ganges down to Earth from Heavens. Bhagiradha’s prayers were indeed granted by Mother Ganges to the devotee but warned him that the force of the flow from the Heavens to Earth could be withstood by no less than Lord Siva Himself! Bhagiradha never stopped his grand endeavour and worshipped Lord Siva with ausretity and purity who agreed, not only because of the sincerity with which the devotee desired to fulfill the long-standing family wish but also owing to the reason of Universal advantage.The Lord assumed a massive body and controlled the force of the River flowing from Lord Vishnu’s feet and bore the brunt of the impact on His head in His ‘Jatajut’or twisted hairs and released but a portion of the Holy River. Bhagiradha directed the fiery flow by riding a fast Chariot and brought it to the place where the ashes of his forefathers were purified and their souls liberated to Heavens. Till date, humanity continues to be grateful to

- - him for the ever lasting memory of his gigantic efforts in our reaping the fruits of his labour in the huge land-mass covering entire ‘Aryavarta’ ( Northern India)!.

Lord Rama the Epic hero and an Illustrious Incarnation of Lord Vishnu

From the lineage of Bhagiradha and against the background of stalwarts like Ikshvaku, Mandhata, Ambarisha, Harischandra and Sagara, as also in the immediate past of persons like Sudasa ( who was cursed by Sage Vasishtha to become a man-eater), Balika (who escaped Parasu Rama’s axing spree of Kshatriya Kings and hence his names ‘Nari Kacavacha’- hidden by women), Khatvanga-Dirghabahu-Raghu,Aja and Dasaradha, the father of Sri Rama-the Hero of Ramayana- and his memorable brothers , Bharata and Satrughna. Maha Muni summarised one of the most heartening Epic Stories of Ramayana in great brevity as the largest part of humanity knew the nuances of each episode in it, irrespective of age and gender and is too popular to be over- emphasized. Lord Rama-the ‘Maryada Purusha’ is the unparalelled archetype hero of virtue, valour, maturity, discipline, dedication, discretion, and a model man to humanity.To his father he was a loyal son; to his mothers a person of genuine affection; to his brothers an inspirer; to his an obedient pupil of exception; to his relatives and friends a man of unfailing help; to the enemies of Virtue a demolisher; and to his followers and devotees a guiding star and provider. A multi-splendoured personality, Rama was an incarnation of Supreme Energy and indeed as an ideal human being having arrived in the midst of mankind.

Sri Rama followed Visvamitra to safeguard the Sacred Yagna undisturbed and in the process killed the wicked Tataki and and frightened away to flee; learnt Divine Powers to win Evil forces; relieved Devi of Sage Gautama’s (her husband’s) curse to become a stone as Indra slept with her by trickery taking the form of Gautama; broke the famous ‘Siva Dhanush’ as a child play; married Devi Sita in ‘Swayamvara’( bride’s choice); lightened the ego of ‘Parasurama’who destroyed the erring race of Kshatriya Kings by his axe in successive wars; followed paternal instruction to spend fourteen long years of ‘Vanavas’ ( forest life) along with Devi Sita and followed by loyal brother Lakshmana; treated co- mother without any ill- feeling and caressed mothers and with affection; assuaged the hard feelings of Bharata and and persuaded the former to maintain Kingship; shared the affection and wiped away the genuine tears of the Subjects of ‘Ayodhya’, the Capital City; appreciated the service and devotion of devotee ‘Guha’, boatsman in crossing the River Sarayu; shared the joy of eating fruits partly bitten by the grand mother figure of Devotee ‘Sabari’; relieved of a curse of punished Demoness ‘Surpanakha’, the sister of the Epic Villian Ravana, asking Lakshmana to disfigure her by cutting her nose and ears and carry the message of warning to him; annihilated thousands of Demons headed by Khara, Dushana and Trisira as despatched by Ravana as a sequel to Surpanakha’s incident; inspired confidence in the fugitive Heir-Apparent that Rama could kill by breaking Seven Huge Trees in a row with a single arrow; helped Sugriva to terminate the Powerful Vanara King and installed the former as the King of ‘’( Monkey Brigade); received in immense measure the affection, loyalty and devotion of the illustrious and of many other Vanara Warriors like Jambavanta and ; chased a golden deer ( disguised Demon Maricha) since Devi Sita desired to get the animal and when she crossed the ‘Lakshman Rekha’ ( a line drawn by Lakshmana to safeguard her by fiery Mantras) she fell a victim of Ravana in disguise as an asetic who forcibly took her away to Lanka; found Devi Sita disappeared from the hermitage and along with Lakshmana searched for

- - Sita in profound grief ; found the Great Bird ‘’, an eye witness to the cries of Devi Sita being carried away by Ravana; deputed Hanuman to cross over the Ocean, meet Devi Sita and to ransack entire Lanka; took the help of Sugriva, Hanuman and the full Monkey Brigade in crossing the Ocean across the ‘Rama Sethu’ built by the Brigade and the Divine Architect Visvakarma; welcomed Vibhishana, the virtuous brother of Ravana, into his camp; deputed peace emissaries to Ravana to return Devi Sita; and when the fight became inevitable a battle as fierce and decisive was fought which destroyed the Demon camp totally. No doubt, Ram’s opposition could not be wished away as Demon stalwarts like the mighty Kumbhakarna, the wily and innumerable experts of war like , Nikumbha, Dhumrakesa, Durmukha, Surantaka and Narantaka besides Ravana himself proved tough to be destroyed.The Ten-headed Ravana who was a terror to the World was almost invincible, especially since his ten heads were sprouting again and again, till Vibhishana revealed that there was a deposit of life providing nectar in his abdomen. Finally the ultimate success was that of Dharma versus Adhrama and triumph of Truth and Virtue. Sri Rama and Devi Sita returned to Ayodhya when the celebrations were not only restriced to the Kingdom but to the entire humanity and indeed the whole Universe. The vast Kingdom of Rama was administered as a model to humanity and had gone down in the history of Earth as Rama Rajya! Even so, human nature being what it was even in Threta Yuga, there were stray voices in the Kingdom that Devi Sita stayed in Ravana’s custody for long time and despite the so-called Fire Test ( Agni Pariksha) at Lanka, her existence like a ‘Pati Vrata’ ( Pure wife) was suspect! Sri Rama being a King of Virtue had to take the ugly decision to send away Devi Sita to forests even while she was in the family way and Sage provided refuge to her ; Lava and Kusa, the twin boys of Rama and Sita were born and grew as experts of War Techniques under the guidance of the Sage.There was an altercation between the twins on one hand and Sri Rama’s brothers on the other when the twins did not release the Sacrificial Horse as Rama performed the ‘Asvamedha Yagna’. Finally Sri Rama himself came to fight the twins. Devi Sita had to reveal that Rama and the twins were related as father and sons.Finally Sita’s mother, Bhudevi ( Earth) absorbed Sita into her lap and the illustrious Ram- Sita’s Golden Connection had ended, albeit temporarily as their incarnations as Vishnu and Lakshmi got revived again.Meanwhile, Rama observed celibacy and ruled for thirteen thousand years, before returning to Vaikuntha, thier own abode.

Details of Chandra Vamsa – the Dynasty of Moon

Maha Muni Suka described the long lineage of Sri Rama, especially of Maharaja Kusa and his descendants and the Dynasty of Ikshvaku ended with the last King Sumitra, thus terminating the legendary ‘SuryaVamsa’of Sun-God. The ‘Chandra Vamsa’ originated from Soma the Moon God. He was in charge of Brahmanas, drugs and illumination. Soma performed Rajasuya Yagna-the Sacrifice signifying his prominence and was proud. He desired Tara, the wife of Brihaspati, the Spirutual Teacher of Devatas and forcibly kidnapped her. Tara too liked Soma.While Sukracharya took the side of Soma, Indra and other Demi-Gods as also Lord Siva sided Brihaspati. Lord Brahma chided Soma, but already, Tara became pregnant. Brihaspati was indeed upset with the unchaste Tara and instead of cursing her, he said that after her death, he would not touch her ashes.Meanwhile an atrractive boy was born to Tara, named Buddha and the latter begot the famed Pururava. As Pururava was grown up, he fell in love with the Celestial dansuese Urvasi and Sun and Varuna cursed her to turn human. Urvasi came down to Earth and decided to stay with him, provided he took care of two lambs which also fell along with her from

- - heaven. Gandharvas hid the lambs and Urvasi left Pururava in anger.He desired to perform Sacrifices to reach out Gandharva Loka as he was infatuated with Urvasi, but there was no concept of Karma Kanda for this purpose of a human to reach Gandharva Loka to fulfil his desire. As such, he introduced the new practice, reached Gandharva Loka and had six sons.

Parasu Rama, an paradigm of paternal devotion and destruction of Evil

In the lineage was born and his wife Renuka gave birth to their youngest son Parasu Rama or Rama with an axe. He destroyed the whole clan of contemporary Kings who were tyrants and cruel to their Subjects and also to believers in Almighty. The problem started with a King Kartaviryarjuna, who was puffed up with Sacred Powers like Anima and Laghuma [ There are Eight Siddhis viz. Anima: ability to reduce size; Mahima : to magnify the size to the biggest; Garima:to make any thing the heaviest; laghima:to make weightless; prakamyam:to realise anything desired; prapti: access to any where; vasitva: power to defeat; isitva: to secure supremacy] He worshipped Lord Dattatreya and was blessed with one thousand hands.In fact, he was a terror to Ravana. He visited Sage Jamadagni’s hermitage once, was impressed with the Celestial Cow, and asked the Sage to gift it, which was refused. In the abscence of the Sage at the hermitage the King’s men stole the cow and this infuriated the Sage as also Parasurama. The latter visited Kartaviryarjuna and in a fierce fight between the King and his men, Parasurama killed the powerful King. But in the abscence of Parasurama, Kartaviryuarjuna’s sons killed the Sage and the brothers of Parasurama, but the latter killed ten thousands of the sons and in that very frame of mind destroyed the entire clan of Kshatriyas or the Kings during some twenty one wars. In another incident, Renuka the mother of Parasurama reached a River for bathing and found a Gandharva King too bathing with his wives. She had a slight fascination of the Gandharva in her mind.This was noticed by Jamadagni and as she returned from the river-bed ordered her head to be chopped. Son Parasurama killed his mother with his axe instantly even as an evil- feeling of mind was felt by her. Sage Jamadagni appreciated the spontaneous action and asked for a boon to Parasurama and the latter requested that his mother and brothers be brought to life again. Such was the paternal devotion and fearlessness of Parasurama who re-established Dharma and valour. Reappearnce of Parasurama was prominently recognised in Ramayana, as Lord Rama won the hands of Sita Devi, after breaking the ‘Siva Dhanush’( Lord Siva’s own Bow) in a’Swayam Vara’- bride’s own choice of securing a husband. An egoistic Parasurama challenged Sri Rama (apparently to repose confidence in Public mind about Sri Rama) and retired after being humbled by the latter.

Lineage of King Pururava

King Pururuva had four sons, Ayu, Srutayu, Jaya, and Vijaya. Ayu in turn begot Yati, Yayati and four other sons- notably Kshatravardhana whose fifth generation son was Saunaka Muni. Yati was cursed by Indra to become a snake and thus Yayati was the next King and his progeny were Yadu, Turvasau, Dhurhyu, Anu and Puru. Pururuva’s youngest son-Vijay-had important names in his clan like who drank River Ganges in a sip, Puru, Gadhi and his daughter Satyavati married to Richika and their son Jamadagni whose son was Parasurama. Pururava’s clan through generations included the son of Sumati, who was married to and their famed son Bharata. King Yayati, a Kshatriya by birth was married to , a and the daughter of Sage Sukracharya-the Guru of Rakshasas. This kind

- - of wedding is known as Pratiloma, viz. a Brahmana Maiden wedding a Kshatriaya as against ‘Anuloma’ the vice-versa. The King also married Sarmishtha, the daughter of King Vrishaparva. Once when both the wives were bathing in a lake, Lord Siva and Parvati passed by and in hurry Sarmishtha coverd herself up mistakenly by the garment of Devayani, who rebuked the former.The reaction of Devayani was devastating referring to Caste relationships. Also, Devayani approached her father who reprimanded King Yayati and the King Vrishaparva. Sukracharya demanded that hence forth Sarmishta should be Devayani’s slave and forbade Sarmishtha in Yayati’s bed. In course of time Devayani got a child. Once when Yayati found Sarmishtha crying in a well in the garden; he sympathised with her, invited her into bed and she was concieved too.This infuriated Devayani as also Sukracharya and the latter cursed Yati to become old and impotent.As the King begged of the Sage’s pardon, the Guru said that if any body could exchange youth with the King’s old age, then the curse be waived. Yayati asked his sons one by one, but they argued that it was an absurd proposal; finally, the youngest son Puru accepted the request of his father. This was how, Pururava’s youth was revived thanks to his son Puru’s sacrifice. In this context, the Veda Base stated: Uttamas chinthitam kuryat, Proktha-kari thu Madhyamat, Adham’o-sraddhaya kuryat, Akartha Uccharitam Pithuh. ( A son who anticipates father’s wish to fulfill is First class, one who takes action to his instruction is second class but who refuses compliance is no-class!

In the Puru Vamsa, Dushyanta was born to Sumati.He visited the Hermitage of Sage Kanva and found a pretty maiden Shakuntala who was abandoned by , the Celestial Danseuse born after her affair with Visvamitra. Dushyantha and Menaka were wedded as per the Gandharva Marriage Rule. After giving birth to a son named Bharata, Shakunthala took the permission of Sage Kanva and approached King Bharata, but due to a curse of memory loss, Bharata was not prepared to accept the wedding. A heavenly voice was heard that Shakuntala was indeed his wife. After his father’s demise, Bharatha performed Horse Sacrifice and after defeating several Kingdoms, declared himself as an Emperor. He had three wives but as their sons did not resemble him they killed them! Bharat performed ‘Marut Stoma’ and the Demi-God Maruts presented him a son, named Bharadwaja. In the dynasty of Bharata, there was King Rantideva who was popular for charity. Once when food stuffs were available and they were about to eat, there came a Brahmana for charity; Rantideva gave away half of his share to the guest but soon the rest had to be given away to a beggar, to his dogs and a chandala.; he felt happy that he was able to overcome hunger and thirst in the process and Trimurthis appeared before him and blessed him with Salvation. It was to this illustrious lineage was born to Kuru the ancestor of Pandavas and Kauravas. From Kuru came Shantanu who was married to River Ganges and begot Bhishma and through his second wife Satyavati, a fisherman’s daughter, begot Vichitraveerya. As the latter was sick, Vedavyasa requested to bless the birth of King Kasi’s daughters Ambika and as also of a Dasi or Sudri. While Ambika begot King Dhritharashtra, Ambalika gave birth to Pandu, and Sudri gave birth to Vidura. Dhritarashtra and gave birth to hundred Kauravas headed by Duryodhana while Pandu married to who sought the help of Lord Yamaraja to bless the birth of Dharmaraja, Vayu to bless the birth of Bhima, Indra to bless the birth of Arjuna, and Aswani Devatahs to bless the births of and Sahadeva. The long lineage from King Yadu through Surasena to Krishna and Balarama was also interesting. King Surasena gave birth to Vasudeva and Kunthi.ToVasudeva and were born to Krishna and Balaram. Pandavas were born to Kunthi.

- - MAHA VISHNU’S AVATAR AS KRISHNA

Lord Krishna was the central-figure of Maha Bhagavata; in fact He dominated the entire scene of Dwapara Yuga in human manifestation. He was an Incarnation of the Supreme Energy or the Primeval Force, believed in as Vishnu or Krishna, for the purpose of identification and for anchoring on as a target of one’s pure thoughts and actions in multitudes of means ranging from simple prayers, devotion, rituals and Yoga to rigorous Sacrifices as per one’s own belief. Thus identified, humanity is able to visualize the Supreme Power - ignorantly or in great faith- and gives a shape or form to the Unknown! It is that Krishna who aproached the humans as a model figure with the best of limbs, features, speech, actions, reflexes and most of all as the Provider, Forgiver, Corrector and Sourcer.Krishna’s birth was also shrouded in mystery. He made an appearance before the parents Vasudeva and Devaki ( Prajapati Sutapa and Prashni in their earlier births) advised them to transfer Him from Mathura to Gokul across the River Yamuna to the place of and Yashoda as the latter just delivered a baby at the same time but was not aware whether it was a boy or baby due to labour pains.Earlier, the seventh Child of Devaki and Vasudeva was miraculously transferred to , another wife of Nanda. His maternal uncle Kamsa was afraid of death and killed the previous babies.He tried to smash the head of the eighth child who was Devi Durga Herself. She warned Kamsa from the Sky that the real killer of Kamsa was safe elsewhere. While Gokul of was rejoicing the birth of the boys and the cow- herd Chief Nanda and Yashoda and were busy with Jataka Karma ( cutting the umbilical chords) and the year long Nandothsava celebrations, Kamsa was engaged in a massive search for babies born anew in his kingdom and ordered them to be killed. His investigators reached Gokul Village too and on witnessing the celebrations they confirmed the presence of the new born.The demoness Puthana who was engaged by Kamsa to kill babies visited Gokul and taking the form of a pretty lady entered Nanda’s house. Neither various Gopikas nor Yasoda stopped her, as they were all impressed by her charm and innocent looks. She lifted the Child and put Him on her lap and desired to breast-feed Him. There was deadly poison around her nipple which was sucked by the Lord and even while she was crying for help her real demoniac face and body were twisted and displayed . The entire village got petrified at the shock but the Child was happy and playful. As the Child grew three months old, Nanda’s household was busy performing the ‘Uhthana’ function of lifting the Child from cradle to shoulders. While Brahmanas were reciting Hymns ( Mantras) and performing offerings to Fire God, there was busy activity alround with guests and relatives.The Child was kept in a make-shift bed under the shade of a cart in the court yard, surrounded by Gopikas, children and others. Playfully, the Child lifed one of His soft and tiny legs up as though He was fighting and throwing the cart and indeed the heavy cart was broken into pieces and the mortal remains of a huge monster ( ‘Sakatasur’- a cart demon) sent by Kamsa presented a ghastly sight.In another instance on a day Yashoda kept the Child on he lap when He was a year old and suddenly she realised that the Child was heavy like a mountain and she had to immediately put Him down on the ground. Almost then there was a fearful whirlwind and dust storm and there was darkness all around. The Child was not visible for a while. Gradually, the dust got settled and the entire Village could witness a massive heap of a Demon Trinivartha sent by Kamsa again and the demon’s throat was choked and throttled.

On completion of a year, the two sons were named Balaram and Krishna. As they grew they were displaying charming tricks and playful mischief bringing ecstatic joy not only to the parents but to the entire village especially Gopikas (Maidens) with whom endless pranks were

- - played like stealing butter, embarrassing them in several ways and enchanting them all differenly; in fact the life style of Gokula Village got transformed to that of a heaven and they were all blessed indeed!But there was an underneath devotion and spiritual awareness prevailing among the persons of Gokula and there was even a sub-conscious feeling that the two boys were not ordinary but incarnations of God. While the playmates were all playing once, Balarama who was elder complained to Yashoda that Krishna was eating earth, the mother found that Krishna’s hands were full of dirt and she asked Krishna to open his mouth.Yashoda almost fainted to view the entire Universe in Krishna’s mouth with fleeting visions of the Sky, Earth, mountains, oceans, and the planetary system. She was amazed to realise that Krishna was Vishnu Himself, but too soon she got out of that consciousness created by a transitory illusion ( Maya) and started fondling the Kids as usual. Very often, Krishna looked so innocent that Yashoda discounted the pretty complaints made by Gopis against the lad either out of fondness or envy.As she got fed up one day, she tied Him to a grinding stone kept between twin trees, Yamala and Arjuna in their back yard and started her routine.After a while she heard big noises of falling trees and shrieking screams of Gopikas and there stood two personalities with radiance bowing before the boy Krishna; apparently the two were the opulent and conceited sons of Demi-God of Wealth, Kubera. Narada cursed the sons of Kubera- Nalakubara and Manigriva- to become the twin trees in the backyard of Nanda’s house and await Krishna to release the curse.

Nanda and the elders of Gokula felt that weird incidents were happening in the Village and thus decided to shift to a lush green and fertile forest known as Brindavan. Indeed this area was far better, as there was a mountain Govardhan was also nearby. The Vraja Vasis were happier as their lives were more comfortable under His shade. Their crops were richer, climate was healthier and the Gopas and Gopikas had plenty of space to play, enjoy and venture out, in the excellent company of Balarama and Sri Krishna. The sonorous flute of Krisha, the ankle bell sounds of maidens, the joyful dances of men and women, and the social functions of the elders gave a highly romantic and contented atmosphere at the new environs But at same time, there were a number of incidents continued nevertheless, each fortifying the underlining faith and awe in Balarama and Krishna as super beings. Examples included the killing of Dhenukasura who mixed up with cows and calves of Bridavan; Bakasura, a fresh water wading bird, heron, with a long beak and a gigantic features who attacked Krishna who tore off the powerful jaws and beaks; Aghasura, the huge Python who devoured boys but Krishna entered its enormous mouth and saved them before killing; the fearful serpent Kaliya of lake Kalindi was unapproachable to human beings, animals especially cows, birds, fishes etc. which freely used to stray as the waters were fuming hot with poisonous flames. Krishna’s playmates described the lake as entering into Hell gates.But He desired to teach a lesson to Kaliya and family who made an exclusive residence in the lake, often moving out of it in the surroundings, but for the fear of Garuda, the carrier of Lord Vishnu. Krishna however jumped into the lake and attacked the most obnoxious creature and subdued it after a fierce fight for days together. Nanda and Yashoda wanted to enter the lake out of desperation, but Balarama prevented saying that Krishna would emerge dancing on its hundred and one hoods. Indeed He did likewise and ordered Kaliya and family to quit the lake and enter the ocean and assured that His footprints would be recognised by Garuda and as such there was no problem from the serpents to move out. In another instance, demon Pralamba disguised as a cow-herd boy and Balarama sensing it desired to play a game Hirana Kreedanam ( carriers and passengers) by splitting two parties-one headed by Krishna and another by Balarama. Pralamba disguised as cowherd boy had purposively lost the game so that he would

- - carry away Balarama as he had won. Sitting on the back of the demon, Balarama squeezed the demon’s body and sat on him as though as a mountain and thus killed him.Another incidence was Krishna’s feat of lifting the mountain Govardhan Giri by His little finger, as Varuna the God of Rains was annoyed with the villagers as they did not perform the traditionl worship and lashed with devastating rains continously.Consequently, Varuna and Indra apologised the indiscretion of Varuna to Lord Krishna.

Krishna’s vigorous drive of Spiritual Love

By now the people of Vraja had not only recognised Krishna Consciousness fully but also practised various forms of Worship-be it Rituals, Yoga, Group ( Singing the hymns in praise of the Lord), ‘Vrathas’, meditation or ‘’( recite the names of Almighty). Indeed, Krishna Consiouness got spread over far and wide with the Vraja Bhoomi as the nucleus, not only among the humanity but all over the Universe, including the Planetery System, various Demi-Gods and the sub-terrain world. The ‘Gopikas’-women and maidens- of Vraja Bhoomi were specially blessed often participating in Ras Lilas or Community Dance Sessions of Ecstacy; the belief was that ‘Gopikas’ were actually Sages, availing opportunities of physical and Spiritual interaction with Narayana Himself, thereby attaining trances and oneness.To the married women of Vraja Bhoomi especially, the repeated advice from Krishna was that out of affection and faith for Him, they should not neglect their family duties; He said that women in general, away from their fathers, mothers, brothers, husbands and children should not be causes for their worries. He also said:

Bhartuh susrusanam strinam paro dharmo hi amayaya / tat bandhunam cha kalyanah prajanam chanuposanam.

( The highest religious duty of a woman is to sincerely serve her husband, behave well toward his family and take care of the children).The unanimous reply to Krishna’s advice by all Gopikas was that indeed they ought to serve their families best, but in reality they would serve their families with the same dedication as their family would display to serve Almighty as well.[Padma Purana stated that Gopikas were either ‘Sruti Charis’ Personified Veda Scriptures) or ‘Rishi Charis’( Sages of previous births) viz. Nitya Siddhas or Sahana Siddhas respectively, but not normal humans].Even as Krishna continued His romantic escapades under the garb of Spiritual Activities, the buden on Earth was being reduced in destroying evil forces. Maha Muni Suka described to King Parikshith how the Bull Demon Arishta with a huge hump, mistaken as a mountain by the clouds, roared while scraping the ground with hooves and digging the Earth with horns and created havoc and how Krishna seized the animal by its horns and brought to it the ground and destroyed it.Another demon Kesi, a gigantic horse commissioned by Kamsa attacked Krishna with speed and fury from the high skies and met the same fate as with Arishta.

Narada’s futuriscic vision

Approaching Krishna the Supreme Form of Lord Narayana Himself to worship Him in solitude, Devarshi Narada described the unbelievable miracles of Krishna from his futuristic vision:Being the Supreme Energy of the Universe, which is His own volition to create and play with, Krishna is the Super Controller of Time-the Past, Present and Future. He descends on Earth to protect the

- - virtuous and destroy the Evil; the destruction of Arishta and Kesi are tiny instances of His omni- potency. Thus Narada disclosed the future Events, as follows: ‘Within two days now, Lord Krishna would witness the death of Chanura and Mustika, the man-mountain wrestlers and the massive elephant Kuvalayapida. The cruel King Kamsa would be the next target.The annihilations of Demons Kalayavana, Mura, Sankha and would follow. Krishna would defeat Indra and present ‘Parijata’- the Heavenly Tree to Queen Rukmini; marry many daughters of Kings after defeating them out of valour; deliver King Nriga from his curse; capture the jewel ‘Samanthaka’from Jambavantha the Great Bear and marry Jambavati; revive and bring back the dead son of Muni from the abode of Yama, the King of death; kill Poundraka, burn the City of Kasi; annihilate Dantavakra and the King of Chedi at Rajasurya Sacrifice; perform several other pastimes at ‘Dwaraka’ and emerge as the Charioteer of Arjuna at the Epic Battle of Mahabharata and after destroying many other Evil Forces lighten the burden of Earth!’ Thus Narada provided to the posterity a sweep of events to happen in future as per his mystic powers. The details of the Events were described by Suka Mahamuni to King Parikshith. But some of the happenings are highlighted as follows in the following pages.

Krishna’s demolition of Kamsa and other Demons

Narada disclosed to Kamsa that the killers of Arishta, Kesi and other emissaries sent by the latter to kill Krishna and Balarama were actually the sons of Vasudeva and Devaki but not of Nanda and Yashoda. Kamsa wished to kill his sister and Vasudeva in prison at once but was restrained by Narada. Kamsa called Chanura and Mushtika -the monster-like wrestlers, to get ready for a duel with the boys to be invited for a Bow-Sacrifice in honour of Yadus and asked of Yadu Vamsa to personally invite and accompany the boys of Nanda to celebrate the Function..There was alround excitement in Mathura as the the illustrious brothers visited the City in person! Several persons gathered to see Krishna and Balarama, the mystifying figures from Brindavan even as large collections of ladies joined the processions as they were mesmorised. On way, the brothers met a washerman and asked for suitable dresses for them, but he was headstrong and talked foul and told them that they were beggars; Krishna nipped his head with his little finger; the miscreants were Kamsa’s followers and the notice was sent to the King squarely and he had no sleep in the previous night. They met a weaver and asked for clothes which were presented to them instantly as he recognised Almighty in them and similarly a flower vendor accosted them with humility and garlanded the boys; the brothers blessed them with prosperity and family welfare. While crossing a high road, they witnessed a hunch back Girl named Trivakra, carrying a tray of perfumes to the King’s Court and while conversing with her, Krishna pulled her up and straightened her body to convert her as a normal person; the feat was witnessed by many onlookers as a sample miracle. They visited the Bow Arena where the Sacrifice was to be done the day next and broke the ‘Indra Dhanush’ with ease even as a contingent of soldiers protested and fought.On the day next, the Arena of Wrestling was agog with exhilaration, when Krishna and Balaram entered the place, the mighty elephant Kuvalayapida was shattered in a jiffy. Later they participated in the Wrestling Tournament where Charura, Mustika, Kutha, Sala and Tosala were smashed. There were cheers alround but seeing the other wreslers running away, Kamsa was outraged and sougt to kill the boys himself with his sword. The mystery Boys flew across to the Stage and devastated Kamsa like two ferocius lions tearing a lamb. There was a furore in the assembly and Kamsa’s eight brothers headed by Kanka and Nyagrodhaka were crushed too. The Invincible Lords Krishna and Balarama opened the

- - prison gates of their parents and touched their feet, as they were stunned and went into a trance. The Boys paid their obeisances profusely and told them:‘Yas tayor atmajah Kalpa-atmanacha dhanenucha-vrittim na dadyat tam pretha-Sva mamsam khadyanti hi’ (A son, though able to do so, fails to provide for his parents with his physical resources and wealth is forced after his death to eat his own flesh). They further said: Sarvartha sambhava deho-janitho poshito Yatah- na tayor yati nirvesam-pitror martyah satayushya ( As one’s body is acquired by parents, the goals of life are fulfilled since their parents gave birth and sustenance; therefore no mortal man can repay his debts enen if he lives for hundred lives). Vasudeva’s son was coronated as the King of Mathura and the Second Birth Celebrations of the Boys was performed ‘Thread Ceremony or Yagnopavitha and Gayatri) and relatives and relations were invited. Indeed they missed the presence of their foster parents Nanda and Yashoda as also the inhabitants of Gokul and Brindavan, especially the sprightly Gopikas.

Krishna and Balarama visited their Spiritual Teacher Sandipa Muni who resided at Avanti ( Ujjain) was visited bringing immense joy to the Muni. They offered give ‘Guru Dakshina’ for the Studies of Dhanur Veda, Martial Arts and War Tactics.The Muni asked for their son dead in the Ocean at Prabhasa as he was devoured by a Demon Panchajanya ( who had the shape of a shell). As the son of the Guru was not in the Demon’s stomach, they reached ‘Samyamani’ the Abode of Yamadhararaja and brought the dead boy alive. Thus Krishna and Balarama gave Guru Dakshina to Sandipa Muni. There after they visited Uddhava, their childhood friend and nephew, requested him to visit the Vraja places and meet their parents and well wishers as also the Gopikas and narrate to them an account of their activities at Mathura.Uddhava on reaching the Places met them all, and narrated the happenings. He returned back, after an emotional and tearful send-off with return messages from all of them, especially Gopikas.

The two Queens of the deceased Kamsa, Asti and Prapthi, approached their father , the highly powerful Monarch of and asked for retribution for the ‘misdeeds’ of Balarama and Krishna. With a huge army under him, Jarasandha attacked Mathura with some twenty three Akshouhinis of infantry, cavalry and elephantry and challenged Krishna and Balarama.The Lords shattered the massive opponents even as they had a minor number; and made sure that only Jarasandha be spared so that he would return back to regroup his men and material. Indeed he returned back again and again, getting routed for seventeen times.When Jarasandha was expected to attack for the eighteenth time, -Yavanas, the Mleccha foreign forces- headed by Kalayavana attacked Mathura with thirty million barbarian soldiers of desperation and cruelty. Krishna and Balarama felt that while they would fight with Yavanas, Jarasandha’s army might simultaneously harm Yadus. Thus they planned to build a new place, named Dvaraka (with twelve Gates) and asked Visvakarma, the Architect of Devatas who created a beautiful and well structured fortress City touching the Sea. By means of His mystic Yoga Maya ( Power of Illusion), the Citizens of Mathura got transferred, lock-stock and barrel- overnight to Dvaraka and found themselves in luxurious palaces. Even as Balarama was defending Mathura, Krishna attracted the attention of Kalayavana, passing singly by foot, by the Main Gate of Mathura. Kalayavana followed Krishna closely but always unreachable with some distance apart and led the Mlechha into a mountain cave.Thinking that Krishna Himself assumed a new ‘Rupa’( Body) as an old and haggardly person in the cave as Krishna was known for such powers, Kalayavana kicked the old man fast asleep. Indeed He was not Krishna but , the son of Mandhata of Ikshvaku dynasty.He was the defender of Demi-Gods

- - from Daityas for long but since Lord Kartikeya became the Commander of Demi- Gods, the latter relieved Muchukunda of his duties and Kartikeya advised him of retirement and since then he was sleeping in the cave, unaware of hundreds of years passed by! By his very looks of fire, Muchukunda converted Kalayavana into ashes as per Indra’s benediction that if anybody disturbed his slumber would be burnt to ashes! Subsequently Krishna granted a wish to Muchukunda to be reborn as a Sage from his Kshatriya’s current birth. Muchukunda exited from the cave into a World new from what he knew and realised that Kali Yuga was on the anvil, as the size of humans, animals, birds and trees was reduced considerably. He proceeded to Gandhamadana mountain and reached Nara-Narayana Ashram and meditated for the rest his life. Meanwhile, Krishna and Balarama found Mathura under the seige of Yavanas and with their Chief Kalayavana was missing found themselves shattered by a handful of soldiers and of course by Krishna and Balarama. The jewellery and wealth plundered by the dead Yavanas, being carried to Dvaraka by the was intercepted by Jarasandha. Krishna and Balaram took to their heels ( as Jarasandha was not destined to die in their hands). When chased to a mountain named Pravarshana , Jarasandha put the mountain top afire by his soldiers and felt that the two might have been burnt. [Jarasandha took to prison a number of Kings at Yudhishtar’s Rajasuya Yaga since they agreed to Krishna becoming the Chief Guest; subsequently when Krishna, Bhima and Arjun visited Jarasandha’s Palace in disguise as Bramanas to free the Kings, the three of them challenged him for a duel with any one of them and Bhima was chosen.. Jarasandha was not getting killed for many days and Krishna hinted to tear Jarasandha’s body by cutting branch of a tree and throwing up the pieces upside down in opposite directions. This was because a Rishi blessed King Brihadhratha ( father of Jarasandha) for a child with a fruit which was cut into two half pieces and distributed to two of his wives, but they delivered a child in two pieces; the child was united by putting the two pieces of their body upside down by a Demoness named Jara and hence the name was Jara-sandha. After Bhima killed Jarasandha, some 21,000 Kings, defeated in wars and imprisoned, were liberated.]

Rukmini abducted by Lord Krishna

Suka Maha Muni then narrated the exciting Story to King Parikshith about Lord Krishna’s abduction of Rukmini and their wedding. Rukmini the elder daughter of Bhishmaka, King of and the elder brother fancied Krishna to be her husband since her childhood. Krishna too had a longing for her.But Rukmi convinced his father that Sisupala the King of Chedi was the most suitable bridegroom for her.As this was not agreeble to Rukmini despite the pressure of Rukmi and her father, she sent a faithful Brahmana emissary with a confidential note to Krishna, requesting Him to abuct her preceding her Wedding with Sisupala, just after her scheduled worship at the ‘Gouri ’at the Girija Temple. At the Wedding Ceremony, the Guest List included the Kings like Salva, Jarasandha, Dantavakra and Lord Krishna too. Fearing that Krishna, who proposed earlier to wed Rukmini, might create trouble at the Function, Rukmi as well as Sisupala prepared for any eventuality alerting their Armies; Salva, Jarasandha, and other well wisheres too readied their armies too. So did Balarama. Precisely when the Bride entered the Wedding Stage, Krishna took away Rumini like a surprise flash and both of them fled away in the Chariot of Krishna with the flag of Garuda atop.The armies of Sisupala and asscociates

- - could hardly prevent the Glorious Abduction. Rukmi was unable to bear the insult and followed Krishna’s chariot but was defeated and his moustache and beard were shorn by Krishna as a symbol of His victory. Subsequently, King Bhishmaka performed the wedding most appropriately. Pradyumana was born to Rukmini and Krishna and the son looked exactly like Krishna. When he was hardly ten days old, Demon Sambara kidnapped the child and knowing that he was the son of Krishna threw him in the Sea as a huge fish ate him but was safe in its belly. A fisherman caught hold of the big fish and presented it to the King Sambara who in turn gave it to Mayavati the head cook and cut it to find an attractive baby inside.Narada appeared and revealed the Story to Mayavati of Lord Rudra turning ‘Manmadha’( Cupid) into ashes when he and (Cupid’s wife) aimed Floral Arrows. Lord Rudra gave boons that in their next birth,Cupid would be born as Lord Krishna’s son and Mayavati as Rati.As Pradyumna grew as a youngman, Mayavati desired to marry him despite wide difference of age. Pradyumna was popularly known as ‘’ as the Lord of Intelligence, along with three of His other names viz Vasudeva ( Lord of Consciousness); Sankarshana (Lord of Individuality) and (Lord of Intelligence).Eventually Pradyumna killed Sambara, married Mayavati and stayed with Rukmini and Krishna at Dvaraka.

Samantaka Mani ( Jewel), Satyabhama and Jambavati Secured

Maha Muni Suka narrated another episode to King Parikshith about double weddings to Krishna in a sequence. King was an ardent devotee of Lord Surya and blessed him with a fantastic jewel, known as ‘ Mani’ providing not only dazzling light like Sun God himself , but also yields eight ‘bharas’( approx. ten Kg) of gold daily. Satrajit was overwhelmed with this incredible gift and desired to share the joy with Krishna whom he visited at His abode. Jokingly, Krishna asked Satrajit to spare the jewel for some time and was promptly declined. Satrajit’s brother, Prasena, wore the rare jewel and visited hunting to a forest. A lion killed him and ‘ Jambavanta’ the illustrious Bear of Ramayana killed the lion in turn and took it to his cave to let his baby play with it. As Prasena did not return from the forest for a few days, Satrajit asked Krishna whether he knew any thing about Prasena as he did not return back.There were stray doubts expressed in the neighbourhood about Krishna’s credibility in the context. Krishna desired to vindicate His position and proceeded to the forest visited by Prasena and found his dead body and also that of a lion. He traced the foot steps of an animal to a cave and found a baby playing with the jewel. A huge bear entered and a fierce battle ensued for days together. As Krishna defeated the Bear, he felt that an ordinary human being could not be invincible against him and eventually recognised Krishna as another incarnation of Lord Rama or Lord Vishnu Himself. Intensive prayers were made by and with humility and devotion he returned to Krishna the precious jewel as also offered his beautiful daughter Jambavati in wedding. On return from the forest, Krishna returned the jewel to Satrajit, who felt humiliated by suspecting Krishna and as an atonement returned the Jewel and requested Him to accept Satyabhama too as His spouse. Subsequently there were five other marriages by Krishna to Kalindi, , Satya, Lakshmana and Bhadra, besides of course, Rukmini, Satyabhama and Jambavati.

On hearing the unbelievable news that ‘Pancha Pandavas’ and mother Kunti were burnt in a Lac house constructed for them by King Dhritarashtra at the instance of ‘Dushta Chatushtaya’ (the Four Villians of Kauravas) –indeed Krishna knew that He arranged their safe exit from the House- Krishna and Balarama left for Hastinapura to personally convey their condolences to the

- - elders of Kuru Vamsa. Taking the advantage of their absence, Evil minded Satadhanvu, as instigated by Akrura and , killed Satrajit in sleep and stole the Syamantaka Jewel. Satyabhama was horrified at her father’s demise and rushed to Hastinapuram to ask the Yadu brothers at once. As Satadhanvu and his instigators trembled at the news of the return of the brothers, Satadhanva kept the invaluable Jewel to the personal care of Akrura and fled fast for his life. Krishna and Balarama chased and killed the culprit but the Jewel was not recovered. Krishna returned to Dvaraka for the obsequies of Satrajit, while Balarama suspected Akrura and recovered from Akrura’s dead body.

The destruction of Narakasura ( Bhaumika)

The end of notorious Bhaumika, the son of ( Demi-Goddess of Earth), is celebrated till date on the moon fall day preceding Kartika Month of eyery year as ‘Deepavali’(The Festival of Lights). Krishna, accompanied by Satyabhama flew by Garuda to ‘Pragjyotisha’, Capital City of Bhaumasura [now in Assaam] , surrounded by mountains and ramparts defended by fire, water and unmanned automatic weapons as also protected by ‘Mura Pasha’- thousand miles-long deadly and sturdy wires as designed by Demon Mura. Krishna shattered the defence buttresses and blew His Panchajanya (Conch shell) with deadening reverberation as Demon Mura’s frontal fortification was destroyed. When provoked, the Demon tossed his powerful club which was slashed by Krishna’s Sudarsana Chakra into pieces and devastated Mura. Seven deadly sons of Mura, who had the knowledge of weapons as fully as their father, pounced in a group but Krishna’s Supreme powers were no match and they too were cracked. Bhaumasura shot at his ‘Sataghni’- the powerful disc with hundred blades- and later on with his mighty spear with which he defeated Indra too both of which proved futile. Finally Krishna gave His nod to Sudarsana Chakra (Wheel) to pull down the Demon and exterminate him.Thus Bhaumasura was sent to ‘Naraka’and hence his ignominious title as Narakasura.[Another version is that the Demon was arrowed down by Satyabhama herself, as he secured a blessing from Lord Brahma that only his mother Goddess of Earth ( Bhumi) could kill him; Satyabhama was the of Goddess Earth . It was at Indra’s distress call that received Krishna’s attention as Varuna’s Royalty Insignia, a Mother- Figure Aditi’s earrings, and ‘Mani Parvata’( Mandara Mountain) where Demi-Gods reside were among the abominable acts of the Demon. As a gesture of good- will, Satyabhama’s desire to transfer the ‘Parijata’ Tree (which emerged in the churning process of Ocean) to her garden from the Heaven was obliged by Indra. Krishna on His part released sixteen thousand royal maidens of Kings defeated by Bhaumasura and consented to marry them, in addition to the eight principal wives. Goddess Earth sought her apology for her son’s sins and reiterated her own devotion to Krishna.

Aniruddha’s wedding with Usha

Banasura, the grand son of the famed King Bali who gave the entire Universe in charity in lieu of three feet to Lord Vamana, was the father of daughter Usha who fell in love with Aniruddha, the son of Pradyumna and the grand son of Lord Krishna. was a dedicated devotee of Lord Siva, and the Lord awarded several invaluable benedictions to the Demon including powerful war weapons and thousand hands to relase the armaments simultaneously. Learning of the romance of his daughter with Aniruddha, the son of Pradyumana -the erstwhile Cupid who was burnt into ashes by Lord Siva’s third eye- and the grand son of Krishna (Avatar of Lord

- - Vamana), Banasura quashed the wedding proposal. Aniruddhha fought with Banasura as the latter tried to imprison Aniruddha. The fight led to Krishna and Siva face to face, as Banasura was an ardent devotee of Siva. Thus Aniruddha was pitted against Banasura, Pradyumna against Karthikeya, and Krishna against Siva. It appeared that this kind of situation was unprecedented. It also looked that the entire Universe was at a precipice, as mighty ‘Astras’ were exchanged and each one of them was sufficient to obliterate the Universe from existence.‘Brahmastra’ by Siva was replied by another ‘Brahmastra’ from Krishna; ‘Pasupatastra’ from Siva was balanced by ‘’ of Krishna.The entire episode was ridiculous as the Super Powers realised sooner than later. Siva in His humility praised Krishna. Maya, the illusion was apparently at work. After mutual realisation, the battle got terminated and a subdued Banasura requested Aniruddha to wed Usha.

Lord Krishna Kills Sisupala

At the invitation of King Yudhishtar to attend the Rajasuya Yagnam (Horse Sacrifice) being performed by Pandavas especially after the devastation of Jarasandha, Lords Krishna and Balarama arrived at , the new beautiful Capital City, built by Maya. As a climax to the Celebrations, a function was held to select the best personality who graced the ‘Yagna’. Nobody wished to comment but Sahadeva, the youngest of Pandavas, proposed the name of Krishna. There was a near total approval of the proposal and King Dharmaraja initiated the procedure by inviting priets and Sages. Just at that time, King Sisupala, a great associate of Jarasandha since killed by Bhima, expressed displeasure at the selection of Krishna on the proposal of a mere boy, Sahadeva of Pandavas.He said that elders in age, experience, wisdom were available and there was no special qualification for Krishna excepting that He was a womaniser and a fraud, who ran away from Jarasandha twenty three times in succesive wars and his real capability in wars, duels, and dealings involving honesty and frankness were suspect. Sisupala critcised Krishna transgessing all limits of decency. Finally having counted the number of abuses hurled at Him, Krishna hurled His disc ‘Sudarsana Wheel to slit Sisupala’s neck. Sisupala was the son of King Dhamaghosha and Srutadevi, the latter being the sister of Vasudeva whose son was Lord Krishna. In other words Krishna and Sisupala were cousins. When Sisupala was born, he was dark and ugly with three eyes and four hands. His parents had almost decided to disown him, but a voice from Heaven suggested not to do so as an Illustrious Person would soon fondle the child and snip out his extra limbs and he himself would also kill him.Krishna’s aunt Srutadevi requested Him to postpone the killing of the child as far as possible. Krishna promised that He would wait till his hundredth abuse. Incidentally, Sisupala and Dantavakra were stated to be the Demons of ‘Dwapara Yuga’ born after the curse of Sanaka Kumara brothers to the Vaikuntha Gate Keepers Jaya and Vijaya. As a sequel to Rajasuya Yagna, there were two major developments: Firstly, the unbearable jealousy of Kauravas against Pandavas who became extremely prosperous and popular among the various contemporary Kings and worse than that, the extremely hurt pride of Duryodhana especially when Draupadi the wife of Pandava sons laughed out loudly when he fell straight into a water pool when he thought that there was no water but ground and when he lifted up his robes as there was no ground but a water body. Secondly, the battles of Sisupala’s great friends-Salva, Dantavakra, Romaharshana, and Virutha were in the offing against Yadavas . While the seeds of jealousy were firmly sown in Duryodhana’s mind leading to disastrous consequences for Pandavas thus leading to the Great Battle of Mahabharata, the destructive attempts by Sisupala’s friends were almost instant. Salva

- - secured earlier an everlasting air-vehicle from Lord Siva because of deep devotion and landed at Dvaraka when Krishna and Balarama were away at Indraprastha and overpowered Pradyumna who fled from the battle, as Salva presented illusory heads of Krishna and Balaram to him.On return, the Lords shattered the airship and Salva too. Dantavakra and his sons Romaharshana and Viruddha met the same fate. Thus the chapter of Sisupala’s death was closed. Simultaneously, the run-up to Mahabharata Battle at Kurukshatra was picking up fast as the foul play of Dices between Shakuni on behalf of sons on the one hand and Dharmaraja on behalf of Pandavas.The Battle shaping as an inevitable consequence, Lord Balarama being a neutral figure,especially since Duryodhana was his disciple and Krishna identified himself as Pandava’s well-wisher, proceeded on a pilgrimage to Holy Places.His visits covered several holy places including Prayaga, , Gaya, Godavari , Srisailam, Venkata Hills, Kanchi, Madurai, Kaveri River, Srirangam, Setubandhanam, and Kanya Kumari. He reached Kurukshetra at the time when Bhima and Duryodhana were engaged in a duel with maces as almost terminating the Great Battle.

Sudama, boyhood friend, honoured by Krishna

King Parikshith had a genuine marvel as to why, when and how the Supreme Power of Universe reaches out everywhere and anywhere to motivate the actions of each particle of Creation critically and objectively. Hereagain, the motive force of the ‘particle’ to act or not to act is provided by the Supreme Force Itself! In reply, Suka Muni narrated a story to exemplify as to how, each action of an entity is conditioned by the Supreme Force and why the entity concerned recieves its reward or punishment as the case might be. A boyhood friend of Krishna , named Sudama was a poverty stricken Brahmana with genuine vedic knoweldge and piety and his faithful wife had for years dinned into his ears that he should call on the famed Ruler of Bhojas, and Andhakas at Dvaraka, viz. Krishna who was also popular for His actions of charity. When extreme poverty hurt him so much that it ignored false notions of shyness or shame, one day Sudama decided to visit Krishna finally.His wife borrowed a fistful of flat rice from neighbours that was hidden in a dirty cloth. In the City of Dvaraka, Sudama felt it was impossible to reach Krishna, but the latter found Sudama easily and took him home.Krishna and Rukmini- God and Goddess Lakshmi-provided a dreamlike treat of services to him, which by itself was tantamount to abundant Spiritual Bliss. Krishna took away forcefully the dirty cloth hidden with the handful of flat rice as a gift to the Lord who ate half but Rukmini prevented eating the second half, presumably concerned of exceeding the benediction contemplated. Barring the display of friendship and exchange of nostalgic memories, Sudama returned back with empty hands and on way back felt satisfied fully with the experience, although was apprehensive of his wife’s possible reaction that he missed a golden opportunity! On reaching his home, Sudama was taken aback at the miracle that his wretched hut was transformed into a fulfledged Palace with heavenly luxuries! Muni Suka’s explanation that the story of Sudama amply clarified the motivation of Super Force for every action. His extreme poverty would have been a result of his previous karma or action, his piety and high dedication to Almighty was his action, and the end result was a fruit of his action too; in all these cases the subtle motivation was received by Almighty and none else.

Vedas – Sourcing Material par Excellence of Supreme Energy

- - While the narration of Lord Krishna’s spititual pastimes was in full swing, King Parikshith raised a genuine query to Suta Muni viz. while Holy Scriptures like Vedas which might well describe the features of material desires and the means of conquering them, could Vedas describe the features and actions of the Unknown Primeval Force which was firmly declared as indesribable! The cause and effect inter-play of material manifestations of Super Force might thus be limited to that extent only but the Unknown by Itself might continue to be elusive and mysterious. Indeed the doubt was genuine and required attention. This philosophical exercise was cogitated and meditated upon by Ancient Sages for times immemorial. In this context, Narada approached Narayana Rishi who in turn got an explanation from the Kumara Brothers- Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana and Sanath. During the interregnum of the chain of destruction and creation of the Universe, Supreme Energy which was latent got revived ‘suo motto’ and was prompted by Vedas to reactivate the Creation of moving and non moving subordinate energies and also spread out the net of illusion (Maya) to combat the material energies! Vedas described the act of Creation by Supreme Energy as a sport between the material and spiritual potencies. The ancient Sages and Seekers conceived Super Energy as the clay with which the Universe was made of as multi faceted manifestation of the living entities.It was at the mercy of that Super Brahman, the unparrelled Source of Awareness, that the interaction of material and spiritual resources- Maya versus Maha Tatva-would be shaped. Those Seekers with lesser vision might worship the Supreme as present in the region of abdomen through the route of conquering material desires, while ‘Aranis’ or self starters percieve the Supreme at the region of heart upwards to head from where there would not be possibility of slippge to the level of falsity or Maya (Illusion). Thus gradual alignment of the self with Supreme Self would be the reply instead of allowing slippages to occur. Thus Narada was illuminated by Narayana Rishi about the Significance of Vedas as extensions of Supreme Energy as also the Sourcing Material for providing Spiritual Guidance to Universe.

Maha Vishnu’s ‘Darshan’( Vision) to Krishna and Arjuna

In the context of Narayana Rishi, the legend of Nara Narayana assumes significance.Once, Great Sages performed a Vedic Sacrifice on the banks of River Sarasvati. A controversy engaged their attention about the issue as to Who should be the most appropriate worthy of devotion among the Trinity of Gods-Brahma or Maheswar or Vishnu. They deputed Sage Bhrighu to the Trinity to personally ascertain the fact and verify.Bhrigu visited his father Brahma first and felt insulted since Brahma did not treat him as a Sage but as a son and hence did not stand and greet. Siva no doubt embraced the Sage but he treated him only as a friend but not as a Sage. Later on, Bhrigu visited Vishnu who pretended to be busy with Maha Lakshmi initially (as the Sage kicked Him on His Chest where Lakshmi resides) but later on paid prayers, along with Lakshmi Devi.(In the process however Vishnu nipped Bhrigu’s exrta eyes on his body). Thus the Grand Congregation decided Vishnu as the Head of the Trinty. Suta Maha Muni narrated the memorable episode in the life of Arjuna. A pious Brahmana in Dvaraka lost a just-born child and reconciled himself as fate. Then he lost another child too and further children also were lost in succession.As the ninth child was still born, the Brahmana was wailing loud on the road- side and Arjuna happened to passby.The Brahmana out of frustration and anger shouted harshly on Arjuna and said that each time a child was dead he approached Ugrasena, Vasudeva, Balarama, Krishna, Pradyumna and others. But to no avail!Arjuna said that he would try to save the next child. He used his mystic powers, some of which secured from Indra as he was Arjuna’s son, and

- - guarded the area with diligence and attention. Unfortunately the result was negative and the tenth child too met the same fate. Arjuna took his ‘’( his own Bow and Arrows) with his full determination and travelled the entire Universe including the Planetery System and sub terrain lokas.As there was no clue yet, Arjuna decided to jump into Holy Fire pit as he could not keep up his promise to the Brahmana. Lord Krishna prevented him from doing so and asked Arjuna to join on His Chariot to ascertain as to what could have happened to the children of the Brahmana couple. They kept on going farther and farther till Krishna’s Chariot horses- Saibya, Sugriva, Meghapushpa, and Balahaka- lost their way as there was complete darkness. The Sudarsan Chakra cut through the darkness as its effulgence showed the way and as the radiance was almost blinding, they realised that it was the phenomenon of Brahma Jyothi, the unparrelled Vision. There lied the Ananta-the mammoth Serpent-with thousand hoods with gems radiating fantastic light; on top of the hoods was lying Maha Vishnu comfortably with eight arms with ornaments Viz. conch shell, disc, bow and arrows, mace, the Kaustubh Gem and so on, along with His personal attendants headed by Sunanda and Nanda, His cohorts Pushti, Sri, Kirti and Aja and all His Mystic Powers. In such resonant and vibrant voice, Lord Maha Vishnu said that He was awaiting the arrival of Krishna and Arjun in search of the Brahmana boys who were purposively brought over there. Maha Vishnu asked Krishna and Arjuna to return after their assignments were over in their births, so that they should spread the message of Dharma (Virtue).

Bhasmasura over-smarted by Lord Vishnu and burnt as ashes

As though to confirm the selection of Lord Vishnu as the Superior of the Triumverate, Suka Muni narrated the happening of Lord Siva’s saving by Lord Vishnu. Accompanied by the Supreme Feminine Power ‘Shakti’, Lord Siva is an embodiment of Three kinds of Material Senses (Characteristics) or three ‘Gunas’of (Emotion), Rajas (Authority) and Tamas (Ignorance). Thus Siva’s reactions are instantaneous either as condemnations or blessings. On a spur of the moment that Lord Siva took the decision of giving away a boon to Vrikasura (Bhasmasura), the son of Sakuni-one of the Epic Villains of Mahabharata. The boon was that who ever touched the Demon’s hand would be burnt to ashes! The Demon desired to experiment the efficacy of the boon by touching Lord Siva’s Head itself! Lord Siva had to take to heels to save His own Head; he fled to various Demi-Gods and Lord Brahma. Finally, He reached Vaikuntha and Lord Vishnu seeing the gravity of the situation, created a Brahmana Student by His Mystic Maya ( Illusion) who met the Demon gasping for breath as he was running and chasing Lord Siva. The Brahmachari stopped Vrikasura and asked him about the problem. The Boy said that whatever was assured from Lord Siva was fake as His earlier boons were never correct and the various boons of invincibility or deathlessness given to Demons were all futile as they were all killed any way. Even in the instant case, Lord Siva’s boon would be a failure too. As a proof, the demon himself could put his hand on his head, the Brahmachari said. As a result, Bhasmasura was thus tricked and as soon as his hands were kept on his head, he was burnt to ashes. This ugly situation was thus avoided for Lord Siva.

Great Rishis cursed ‘Yadu Vamsa’ to be destroyed

Taking a review of the substantial decrease of Earth’s burden by way of innumerable killings of Evil Forces eversince Lord Krishna and Balarama were born and right from the stage of wily Poothana’s obliteration, the Lords had a somewhat hesitant view in the context whether certain

- - clans like those of Yadus were worthwhile continuing in existence. As a clan, the members were mere shadows without the Two of them, as after their exit from the earth was to take place sooner or later, the dynasty of Yadavas would be burden to the Earth! As though reflecting these views, some of the Yadu boys were playing at a pilgrimage centre, named Pindarika, as highly illustrious Sages were passing by. Out of mischief, one of the boys dressed up as a pregnant woman and approached the Sages whether the ‘woman’ would deliver a male or female. The Great Rishis cursed the Yadu boys that the ‘woman’ would deliver neither a boy nor a girl but an iron club (a mace). The boys reported this incident to King Ugrasena who was afraid of the consequences.After scraching away the iron into pieces the remnants were thrown into the Sea and a fish swallowed the remainder iron lump and a hunter who caught the fish made an arrow with its pointer-end with the iron lump. In course of time following the curse, all the important personalities shifted to Prabasa Kshetra and the rest who remained back at Dvaraka destroyed each other themselves. . [Prabhasa is a holy place near Veraval Railway Station in the Junagadh region in Gujarat].

Nine Yogindras provide replies to Maharaja Nimi to Spiritual queries

Once Maharaja Nimi, son of Ikshvaku desired to perform a Sacrifice and requested Vasishtha to be the Head Priest, but Vasishtha was busy performing another Sacrifice for Indra and therefore asked Nimi to wait till he returned. But Nimi performed the Sacrifice without waiting for Vasishtha, who cursed Nimi, but Nimi too gave a curse to the Sage. As a result of the curses, both of them were dead, but as Mitra and Varuna desired Urvasi in lust and from their thoughts of lust revived Vasishtha. As regards, Nimi Maharaja, his body was preserved till the completion of the Sacrifice which was already in progress and once the Yagna was over, the Brahmanas requested Demi Gods to revive his body already preserved. Nimi did not opt for the revival of the physical body but his spiritual body continued to exist. It was that spirirual body of Nimi, known as King Videha ( without physical Body) performed Soma-Yagnya and was blessed with the presence of Nine Yogindras viz. Kavi, Havir, Anthariksha, Prabuddha, Pippalayna, Havirhotra, Drumila, Chamasa and Karabhanjana.( Their lineage was: Swayambhu Manu or Priyamvrata- Agnidhara-Nabhi-Rishabhadeva considered as the Plenary expansion of Lord Narayana Himself- one hundred sons, headed by Bharata of BharataVarsha fame, including the Nine Yogindras). The Nine Yogindras, who were highly learned in Spiritual Science preaching the path of attaining Absolute Truth travelling naked all over the Universe, explained the Principles of Seeking the Truth to King Nimi alias Videha and those who attended the Sacrifice.The pointed queries made to the Nine Yogindras by King Nimi ( Videha) were: 1)What is the highest good? 2) What are the Principles of Dharma and the general inclinations conditioning human beings like ‘Svabhava’ (one’ own nature or behavior), Acharya’ (Tradition), Speech pattern and other lakshanas’ (Traits) of Elevated human beings? 3) What is the external energy of Super Power? 4) How does one disassociate from Maya or Illusion? 5) How is a Brahmana (Devotee) identified? 6) What is ‘Karma’ (means of devotion) and its two major forms viz. materialistc or Spiritual (Kamuka or seeking oriented and Nishkama or Oriented to Almighty only) 7) What are the various Incarnations /Extensions of God? 8) What is the destination of a non-devotee? 9) What are the ideal forms of worship suited to the four ages (Yugas)? Yogindras explained that relentless pursuit of material desires, arising out of ignorance and leading to fear as conditioned by one’s own nature and nurture, tends to sideline or marginalise the Super Energy and Its Extension Forms or Incarnations aimed at the Four Yugas

- - and even if a human being were to perform acts of devotional services these would invariably aim at desire-fulfilling ends and not Spiritually oriented. This vicious circle of cause and effect ought to be wrecked to yield to the path of Bhagavatha Dharma or the Discipline of Faith. Increase in the duration of devotional time, gradual detachment, and enhancement of Awareness of the Super Energy are the Golden Means required. Yogindras on Incarnations of Nara Narayan, Dattatreya and Hayagreeva Yogindras also described the incarnations of Maharshis Nara Narayana and Datthatreya and their activities. Nara Narayana were born to Murthi, the daughter of Daksha Prajapati and Dharma who was born from the right breast of Lord Brahma. Indra was apprehensive that the Maharshi might not sidelight him and was infact afraid that he might as well usurp Heavens and as such sent Apsaras to Nara Narayana to spoil their meditation. Smilingly, the Maharshi despatched the Demi- Gods and Apsaras with a few gifts and Indra, who by then learnt of as Narayana’s own Extension by Narada, reached the Maharshi of the sin that he performed and sought His blessings. Dattathreya, son of Atri Maha Muni was another incarnation of Super Energy that Yogindras made a special mention as the Ultimate Yogi and an ‘Avadhuta’who was least concerned with clothes or even physical cleanliness and considered as an Amalgam of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara. He was a mystic travelling far and wide with His cow and four dogs and a Master of Vedas and of high-level ‘’practice. He was the pioneer of ‘Kaanphota nathpanthi’or mystics with split-ears opposing Universal applicability of Moral Discipline. He had such illustrious followers like Goraknath and Matsyendranath. He also opposed Yoga for purposes other than for elevation of the self with the Supreme, known as Non- Yoga. Yet another incarnation of Vishnu, Hayagreeva, as the Horse Head by killing the demon ‘Madhu’ who stole Vedas, when at the end of His Day fell asleep and the Vedas were stolen.The Lord assumed the form of a Giant Fish and retrieved the Vedas from the depths of the Ocean. [Avataras are of two kinds: Vibhuti Avataras and Saakshath . Among the latter type are : Purusha, Lila,Guna, ,Yuga and Sakti-Avesa Avataras. The Avataras could be of temporary nature (‘Vaibhava)’like Mohini, Vyasa, and types or everlasting Avatars- ‘Prabhava’ Avatars- like Rama, Krishna etc.Also there are three Vishnu Avataras viz. Karanodakasayi (Maha Vishnu),Garbodhakasayi (Pradyumna) and Kshirodakasayi (Aniruddha). Further, there are Bhaktavesha ( Kapila Muni or Rishabha Muni) or Saktyavesh Avataras (Sesha Naga:Swa Seva Sakti; Ananta Deva (Bhudharana Sakti; Brahma: Srishti Sakti; Kumars:Gyana Sakti; Narada : Bhakti Sakti; and Parasurama:Dushta Damana Sakti and King Pruthu : Palana Sakti.

PRABHASA KSHETRA- ‘UDDHAVA GITA’ PREACHINGS BY LORD KRISHNA

Uddhava, a highly dedicated Devotee of Lord Sri Krishna, had the unique privilege of His teachings popularly known as Uddhava Gita, in the post- Prabhasa Yatra period and retirement of Yadu Leaders at the ‘Prabhasa Kshetra’. Krishna conveyed that as a curse of Sages to some mischievous boys of the Yadu Vamsa, the entire dynasty would soon perish due to mutual fightings and that was why the Yadu elders preferred peaceful end of their lives. The Lord said that at the express request of Brahma that He to take to mortal life for the defined purpose of reviving Dharma (Virtue) and destroying the Evil and it was time to return to His Abode Vaikuntha thus ending His Incarnation along with His Plenary Part as Balarama. Seven days

- - hence, the Ocean would submerge the City of Dvaraka and its inhabitants. In such critical situations only when close members of a family perished and acute pain was caused that a person realised the futility of existence and the way in which material forces outweighed against the will of God; even minimal attention to the Almighty would have lightened the heavy mental strain to counter attachments created Maya the Illusion. Avadhuta secured inspiration from Nature In this context, the Lord quoted a Brahmana ‘Avadhuta’ who visited King Yadu and told him that in a state of complete aloofness from the Society, one could learn great lessons from Nature (The Five Elements of Earth, Sky, Fire, Wind and Water), from Sun and Moon, as also from his personal experiences of a pigeon, python, Sea, moth, honeybee, honey thief, fish, elephant, deer, a prostitute Pingala, kurara bird, child, girl, arrow maker, serpent, spider and wasp.The Avadhuta said that Spiritual Science was learnt in totality from these twenty four teachers as to how one could and should learn the art of detachment and align the self with ‘Paramatma’. From Earth, he learnt the lesson of patience, service to and welfare of others. From Air, he learnt, maintenance of human body by its vital energy, without carrying the aromas or the foul smell of surroundings and also without disturbing devotion to Almighty. Like the sky which is anywhere without being entangled with material attractions, the Avadhuta learnt keeping universal attractions away even in the thick of happenings. The Sky again is immune from the clouds, storms, mighty rains and floods and thus the Avadhuta learnt the knack of being calm without deviating from the target of the Supreme Energy. From Water, he learnt the washing of physical impurities and thereby ensuring cleanliness within. Fire taught the Avadhuta a whole lot of lessons ranging from cooking wholesome and simple food, illumination, worship by Homams, and burning of ‘Shatvargas’ – the six enemies of anger, desire, selfishness, attachment, meanness and jealousy. Moon taught the waxing and waning phases till eternity, cures diseases of body and brain and provides solace and peace to troubled humans, ideal for Spiritual devotion.. Moon and Sun, being the Superior Evidences of every-being irrespective of Time, taught the Brahmana an inexplicable presence of Almighty. From Sun, the Avadhuta learnt the tendency to give rains to and absorb water from Earth and thus give away material senses and absorb spiritual energies at appropriate timings. A pigeon leading peaceful family life developed excessive affection to wife and kids and as a hunter trapped the babies in a net while the parents searched food, the mother returned and got trapped too. Not able to overcome the pangs of attachment, the father pigeon volunteered into the net. Intense family attachments and extreme sex ruined the pigeon. An example of python waiting patienly for food for days together be emulated instead of being a glutton; Like the exterior of Sea, the outward appearance might look normal but be deep and fathomless without self importance. Unlike the rivers rushing into the Ocean in rainy season or presenting a dried up look in Summer, Oceans are always of same level and thus the lesson would be to practise equanimity and composure. The Avadhuta learnt from a moth, not to rush into flames of material attractions as a lusty person loses mental balance if a glamorous woman found his way. A honeybee taught a lesson to the Brahmana to collect essence of Scriptures flying from flower to flower, but not to store honey in a beehive to be taken away by a bee-hive keeper . Lessons were received by a deer attracted to the sweet music of horn by curiosity and getting caught by a hunter; a fish attracted to a bait of a net of the fisher man; an elephant desirous of mating a she- elephant and getting killed by more powerful elephants in competition ; a prostitute named Pingala changing bed mates for money and finally realising the folly as more honourable means of earning were available without spoiling her physical health and possibly achieving far greater enjoyment by devotion to Almighty; a weak hawk with a meat piece but

- - getting rid of it as attacked by stronger hawks giving momentary happiness by the riddance of the meat piece ; a happy Child without anxitey and freedom comparable to that of an Avadhuta; a young girl husking rice, by removing bracelets with conch-shell bells on her hands to save noise and embarrassment in the presence of visitors thus using her common sense; an arrow maker making arrows with tremendous concentration to attain perfection of his job, even as the King of the land was passing by and watching beside him; a snake entering an anthill built by others by cleverness; a spider weaving out threads from its own mouth, expanding them, playing with them for a while, catching flies or other preys and finally destroying the threads indicating its playfulness and patience reflecting Almighty’s own example of creation, expansion and destruction-a typical cycle of births and deaths; and finally by an example of a wasp which entered into a larva’s (insect’s) hive and the insect which was hiding in the hive for long time in meditation took the form and features of the wasp itself, signifying that a human being too could transform into the features of Almighty. These were the lessons that the Avadhuta absorbed from Nature; some by way of resisting temptations from material forces, some by absorbing the means of overcoming material attractions and others by attaining unity or oneness with the Supreme Energy! Detachment and devotion are the two watchwords of existence as stated by the Avadhuta who was Lord Dattatreya Himself! This was disclosed to the King of Yadu at the end by Dattatreya, told Krishna to Uddhava. Detachment: Varasrama Dharma, Vidhis and Niyamas- Above all ‘Satsanga’ Continuing His preachings to Uddhava, Lord Krishna defined the Practice of Detachment by way of Nivrutti or Pravrutti routes. Nivrutthi Marg would call for total abstinence and alignment of Self and the Supreme and Pravrutti Marg is by way of existence in the midst of material attractions controlled however by Regulative Principles, ie.’Varnasrama Dharma’ depending on a fourfold classification of Society viz. Brahmanas ( Spiritual and Intellectual pursuits), Kshatriyas ( Administration and Defence), Vaisyasa (Finance,Business and farming) and Sudras ( Labourers and Artisans)-the Division being based on Profession, Vocation and their practice or aptitude.[The Veda Base referring to the aspect of ‘practice or aptitude concepts’of the Varnasrama Dharma is:

Yasya yallakshanam proktum / pumso Varnabhivyanjakam / yad anyaprapti drusyata / tat teniva vinirdisat. ( Srimad Bhagavata Canto7, Chapter 11, Stanza: 35), meaning there by:If one reveals symptoms of being a Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaisya or Sudra even if he has appeared in a different class, he should be accepted according to those symptoms of classification, regardless of birth.] Besides Varnasrama Dharma, the Regulative Principles prescribe ‘Vidhis’ or Moral Injunctions like refrain from meat eating ( or non-violence and compassion for co-living beings), consumption of intoxicants ( Purity consciousness), illicit sex (faithfulness/ loyalty), and gambling ( acquisition/austerity and sobriety). The Regulating Principles also prescribe certain optional ‘Niyamas’ or restraining / preventive measures viz. Internal and external cleanliness ( Bahyantara Suchi), Doing the Rosary ( ‘Japam’), penance (meditation), austerity, sacrifice, dependability, hospitality, worship to Almighty; Visits to Temples; and contentment. ( Sage Patanjali’s or Eight fold Observances are : ‘Saucham’

- - ( Purity), Tapas ( Penance), ‘Swadhyaya’ or Study, ‘Santosha’ ( Contentment), ‘Danam’ Charity) and ‘Eswara Pranadanam’ ( Dedication to Almighty). Akin and ancilliary to Vidhis and Niyamas, Lord Krishna highlighted certain Moral and Spiritual Values viz. humility, false prestige, laziness, possesiveness, indulgence, narrow mindedness, immaturity and ignorance arising out of lack of knowledge. To enable one’s leading to the path of righteouseness, Lord Krishna underlined the guidance of a trustworthy Teacher or Guide. But despite all the efforts and access to appropriate Spiritual knowledge, the hard fact still would remain that factors beyond human control like Time, Situations, placements in one’s own life, societal compulsions, locational contexts and the apparent sensitivities of disease, old age, birth and death chain and the like and as such one should atleast control the manageable factors as per the Regulative Principles prescribed. The main reason for this Minimum Programme would be that a very valuable human birth available with difficulty now might not be surefire or guarateed after the termination of the current one. Any postponement of the Exercise from one stage of existence to another would simply be hazardous since already the process commenced from Stage One of Life and would hardly suffice one’s complete life span; hence the stress on the obvious before the end as death is certain while life expectancy is not. Lord Krishna gave the example of two parrots on the same tree, one on a spree of plundering the fruits and another denying the experience to itself.The intelligent one not getting tempted was like the person strong in restraint and caution. A discreet person never assumed ownership of an action as in the case of first person pronoun, ‘I’, but as a result of the sense objects arising out of modes of Nature.Like the Sky, Sun or Wind, the person with self-realisation never confused Illusion for Reality. He is never angry or provoked, never negligent of worship and ‘Satsanga’ (Company of the virtuous and devoted), soft natured, equal minded, non possessive, respectful of others, compassionate and a conquerer of ‘Shat Guna’( hunger, thirst, pain, illusion, old age and death). Krishna thus identified the detached person.At the same time, an ideal human being worships Sun through ‘Surya Namaskaras’, Fire (Agni) through Sacrifices, Water for purification, ‘Vayu’ ( Air) for breath control by ‘puraka’ ( inhaling), Rechaka (Exhaling) and ‘Kumbhaka’( retaining) and ‘Gayatri’ Mantra and finally attain heights of nearness to ‘Paramatma’. Having elaborated the Concept of detachment thus, Lord Krishna laid immense stress ‘Satsanga’ (Union of Devotee and Krishna) as the most effective conduit to Himself. He stated that the way that Satsanga would lead to Himself, no other means like mysticism or ‘AshtangaYoga’, reading Scriptures, penances, Sacrifices, pilgrimages, Charity and such pious acts. Not only Demi-Gods and superior Class Celestial Beings, Sages and Godmen but even Demons, Low Category Humans, and even the wild species have all used the means of Satsang and achieved ‘Mukti’ (Salvation) from Me. Uddhava was therefore given the considered preaching that moral and spiritual warnings and rituals would all be replaced by intense effort to forge the oneness of the self and the Supreme. Krishna compared life with a tree emerging from two seeds, (Sin and Purity), hundreds of roots ( living entities), three patterns of ‘Gunas ( behavior)-Satva, Rajas and Tamas (Goodness, Passion and Ignorance), five upper trunks (Elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Sky); five lower trunks or sense organs (sound, touch, taste, smell and vision) and eleven ‘Karmendrias’(Hands, legs,eyes,ears, mouth,nose, Genitals) and mind. There are two birds, viz. Jiva (human) and Paramatma ( Krishna) and two fruits of misery and happiness, one opts for materialism and another like a Swan endeavours for eternal bliss.When Brahma’s sons asked Almighty in the form of Hamsa (Swan) :‘Who are you’?; Hamsa’s reply was ‘We are five-the FiveElements!’.When Kumaras asked asked the Swan once again, the reply was ‘We are two ;

- - And That Is One Only’ ! This indeed is the Eternal Truth and that again is the Essence of ‘Satsang’or the Company of One, not of Two! The Vedic Routes of Achieving the Union As Lord Krishna having firmly established the Concept of ‘Satsang’or the Attainment of Oneness, Devotee Uddhava desired to ascertain the efficacy of the Vedic Routes leading to the same goal. After all, various rivers lead to the Ocean finally! Hence, Uddhava requested the Lord about the Practice of ‘Yoga’ for Mystic ‘Siddhis’, ‘Bhakti Yoga’ and Idol Worship, ‘Jnana Yoga’( Power of Knowledge) and finally ‘Sanyasa Yoga’( Total Renunciation or ‘Sat or Truth’ plus ‘Nyasa’or Alliance). Perfection of Yoga for securing Mystic ‘Siddhis’ is one route which ought not to be misused except for Union with the Supreme. There are eighteen such Siddhis of which a yoga perfectionist aligns with Almighty by eight of them and the rest ten are to be utilised for the good of humanity: Three of the eight Siddhis are ‘Anima’ to transform theYogi’s body as the smallest unit to enable it to worship in God’s smallest form; ‘Mahima’ to worship Him in the Gross form by assuming the Yogi’s body as the largest; and ‘laghima’ to worship in Him in his lightest form and convert the Yogi’s form as the lightes.The rest of five are: ‘Prapti’to acquire fixation of mind against material forces, ‘Parakamya’ to experience whatever is desired to be seen or heard; ‘Isita’ to control ‘Gunas’ (features) of Satvik, Rajas and Tamas and ‘Isita’ to secure the vision of the Lord, and ‘Kamavasita’ to obtain Supreme Happiness in worship to Him. Another ten Siddhis are freedom from hunger and thirst, distant hearing and vision (Doora Drishti and Sravanam), moving body as fast as mind, death as per wish, assuming any form as desired, witnessing pastimes of demi-Gods, accomplishment of desires by self, fulfilment of others’ orders or as per the wishes of the self, entering another body and knoweldge of past, present and future. Lord Krishna referred to the Three Principles of Vedas or ‘Trikanda’: Upasana (Sacrifice, Song and Prayer), Karma or fruitive labour and Jnana ( Spiritual Knowledge).[In fact, Bhagavat Gita devoted six chapters each to Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Jnana Yoga]. To those who are fed up with materialistic life and are not keen on performing the rituals prescribed by the Scriptures JnanaYoga is preferrable, while who have desires unfulfilled, Karma Yoga would be the answer.The third alternative for a person who is neither too materialistic nor averse to perform service to the Lord, the best suited is the via-media of Bhakti Yoga. The Ashtanga Yoga including the procedures of Yama, Nigama, Asana, Paryvayama, Pratyahara, Dharma, Dhyana and Samadhi calls for the Karma Yoga. Total surrender and dedicated devotion constitutes an elaborate procedure of worship to a nicely decorated and ornamented Idol with full paraphernalia of flowers, incense sticks, camphor, fruits, coconuts, honey, milk,yougurt (all-mixed Panchamrita),sandalwood paste, lamps for lighting ghee soaked vicks, Prasadas as offerings (Bhakshya’, Bhojya, Lehya, Choshya and Paniyas), along with Vedic Hymns to describe ‘Avahana’ ‘Argya’, ‘Padya’, ‘Achamana’, ‘Dhoopa’, ‘Dipa’, ‘Naivedya’, etc.of ‘Shodasopacharyas’( sixteen acts of service).The worship services include recitation of Vedic Prayers like Mantra Pushpam, Purusha Suktam and other Vedic Mantras. Penance by way of fasting, charity,‘Bhajans’(Group Singing and dance), ‘Purana Sravanam’( hearing Puranas), visiting holy places and holy persons, performance of ‘Vraths’ or Sacrifices are all parts of the Bhakti Yoga. The Third Path of Jnana Yoga or the Spiritual Knowledge is the realisation of Prakriti or Maya and ‘Purusha’ or Paramatma as ‘Avyaktam’(Unknown),’Sasvatam’ (Everlasting), ‘Vishnu’(all pervading),’Anantham’( Endless), ‘Ajam’(Unborn), ‘Avyaam’ (Imperishable).By logical deduction, commonsense or personal discernment, Spiritual Evidence

- - and Self-Realisation, there is a firm conviction that the Universe has a beginning and an end.The impermanancy of all the contents of the Universe inluding the existence of the Creator Brahma, the Preserver Vishnu the the destroyer Siva (representing the Three Gunas) down the Planetary System, Demi-Gods, the entire Creation of life, let alone humanity is an extension and manifestation of that Unique Super Energy alone that exists far beyond the measures of Time, Material and Illusions. It is that finality of Truth which eludes Reality that a Jnani seeks to guess- be it by the Karma Route, or Bhakti, or Jnana Yoga or Siddhis that one targets to percieve finally!Hence the Quest for Truth and Meaning of Existence. Destruction of Yadu Dynasity and Krishna ‘Niryana’ Thus summarising His Preaching, Lord Krishna asked Uddhava about further doubts, and the Devotee with a very grateful visage, tears rolling down and prostrating in a trance, replied whether darkness, frost, fear and ignorance could ever countenance the brightest Sun, face- to- face and still remain unenlightened! Krishna then instructed Uddhava to travel to Badrikasram on the banks of the Holy Alaknanda River and by observing regulations of a Hermit with fulfledged vigour await the Final Call. On noticing il-omens on the sky, Krishna also instructed His relatives, associates and wellwishers to proceed forthwith to Prabhatakshetra on the banks of River Sarasvathi to aviod the horrible termination of the entire Dynasty of Yadus by mutual destruction, as a result of the cursing of Sages with whom some of the misdirected youngters of Yadavas. The curse affected all the sub categories of the Dynasty including Dasarhas, Vrishnis, Andhakas, Bhojas, Satvatas, Madhus and so on. As the deadly hours neared, sons and fathers, uncles and nephews, sons in law and father in laws, brothers and brothers in law had slaughtered each other untill the last trace of the once glorious Yadus.The cane stalks on the beachside of the Ocean turned into fearful thunderbolts (since the particles of the iron mace which emerged from the stomach of the ‘fake pregnant woman’ and were ground and got scattered from the Ocean on the hay and canes) were used as killers for destroying mutually. Lord Balarama having witnessed the horrifying happenings all around sat in composure on the Ocean bed and by the power of Yoga lifted up Himself as His role in the Epic was over successfully and left the mortal remains. Lord Krishna Himself had seen the conclusion of Balarama and lied down under the shadow of a Pipal Tree with His right hand resting under head in full glory with complete ornamentation of Four Handed Form sporting His Conch shell, Sudarsan Wheel, Mace and Lotus as also His Jewel.His left foot toe attracted the attention of a hunter, Jara, as a bird’s head and released an arrow on the target. As the hunter approached the target, he found to his greatest dismay and fear, that the targetted ‘bird head’ was Lord Krishna Himself! Krishna consoled the hunter who was bewildered with shivers that He Himself planned the accident on His own volition to facilitate the mortal termination of His Incarnation. His charioteer Daruka searching for the Lord found Him stupified lying in that state and on regaining his senses hurried to convey the unbelievable news to Pandavas. Meanwhile, Lords Brahma and Siva, leading Demi-Gods, full collection of Planetery Heads appeared at Prabhasa Kshetra, and Celestial Bodies showered flowers, Gandharvas sang welcome songs, and Sages of Top Order recited Vedic Hymns.It appeared that the normal movement of Time and Planets was somewhat disturbed.Lord’s Own carrier Garuda appeared to carry Him to Vaikuntha. Arjuna supervised the rites of His mortal form of Paramatma who is Eternal and transferred the women and children of Yadus to Indraprastha the Capital of Pandavas and chose Vajra, a survivor of the Yadu clan as their King. Degradation of Further Dynasities and Kali Yuga

- - Maha Muni Suka traced from his futuristic vision of Dynasities to come including those of , Pradyotana, Sisunaga (Mahanandi being a potent Ruler betrayed by a famous Brahmana named Chanakya), Maurya, Sunga, Kanva, Abira, Yavanas, Turuskas and Kulukilas. As the Kali Age moved on, there had been a continuous erosion of moral and spiritual values and blatant display of injustice, lawlessness and violence. Muni Suka also described the features of Kali Yuga of which the present Generation is a witness.[Indeed the present phase is hardly the first one, and future might reveal worse things; there are three more phases to follow!] King Parikshith passes away Maha Muni Suka gave the last instructions to King Parikshith after a week long Discourse of Maha Bhagavata and advised him not to be afraid of death, for that would invariably follow the next birth in the long chain of human life and thus fortify himself to place himself at the Golden Feet of Maha Vishnu who is the Ultimate. Even as Suka Muni rose to leave the King who prostrated before the Muni expressing his deepest gratitude for his Golden Discourse, ‘Taksha’the mighty snake arrived in the guise of a Brahmana and offered a lemon to the King. [Earlier, Taksha was requested by the Brahmana Boy to fulfil a curse to the King to die within a week; Taksha intercepted Sage Kasyap who was seeking to protect the King. Daksha challenged Sage Kasyap to revive a tree which got burnt by Daksha; the sage collected the ash of the burnt tree and revived it. Taksha pacified the Sage and requested him to let a curse of the Brahmana Boy be fulfilled and thus the Sage did not interfere in the matter] From the lemon given by Daksha in the Brahmin guise to King Parikshith came out a worm which took the shape of a huge serpent and from its bite died the King. Parikshith’s son Janamejaya sought to take revenge on Daksha and conducted a powerful Sacrifice of snakes burnt in Agni Yajna. He desired Taksha too be burnt in the Sacrifice, but was informed that Indra was protecting Daksha and the revenge of Janamejaya’s was such that he was prepared to even sacrifice Indra himself. Brihaspathi, Deva Guru prevented Janamejaya to perform the Sarpa Yajna further not only to become a victim of vengence and anger but also to maintain elological balance in the Creation process itself. Original Propagation of Vedas After the discourse by Suka Muni to King Parikshth, who died of Daksha’s snake bite and King Janamejaya’s vengeful Sarpa Yagna and Brihaspathi’s counsel not to pursue the Sacrifice, Sage Suta took over the further Discourse at Naimisaranya to a congregation of Rishis headed by sage Saunaka. He explained that the Vedic Sound ‘OM’emanted from the Supreme Energy as the seed of all Vedic Hymns.Omkara emerged from the three original sounds of the alphabets- A,U and M. These three sounds represent three forms of Nature-Sat, Rajas and Tamasa; three Vedas-Rig, Yajur and Sama; three planetary systems-Bhur,Bhuvar, and Svah; and three functions of Universe-Creation, Sustenance and Destruction. Lord Brahma created other sounds of Alphabets, Consonants, and measurements and Time.The Sage Parasara and his spouse Satyavati begot Sage Vyasa, who was basically responsible to divide One Single Veda heard first from the four mouths / heads of Lord Brahma to four Separate Vedas and taught each of the to separate Disciples: Rig Veda known as Bavrucha to Paila, known as Nigada was passed on to Vysampayana, Sama Veda known as Chandoga Samhita to , and Atharva Veda to Sumantu. Paila gave two parts each to Bhaskala and Indrapramiti. Bhaskala passed on one part each to Bodhya, Yajnyavalka, Parasara and Agnimitra. Indrapramiti taught his part of the Samhita to Murdyuka. This was further taught by the latter to Devamitra and further in the line to Saubhari. Down the line, Sakalya added his own version of the Samhita and taught one half of it to Vatsya, , Gokhaya and Sisira.Another disciple of Sakalya Jaturnya added a

- - Vedic Glossary to the total collection of Rig Veda. There was however some problem in the evolution of Atharva Veda given to Sumantu. In his lineage, Sage Vysampayana and his disciples became authorities of the Veda.These disciples were known as ‘Charakas’, as they were under instuctions from their Teacher to relieve him of a sin to have killed a Brahmana. Thus one of his students Yagnavalkya suggested that he himself could perform a severe sacrifice to relieve of the Guru of the sin.Vysampayana grew angry and asked Yagnyavalka to vomit whatever was taught to him and get out. Yagnyavalkya approached Lord Brahma directly through hard penance and obtained valuble Yajur Mantras never known earlier and the Sage compiled fifteen new chapters known as Vajasniya Samhita, since Sun God personally delivered the new Mantras riding a horse and the hairs on the mane of the horse. The Yajur Mantras omitted by Yajnyavalka which were sought by other disciples assumed the forms of partridges and picked up the remains and hence the name of Titheriya Samhita which are popular till date. As regards Sama Veda, Jaimini who was taught by Vyasa Maha Muni, and the former taught the entire Veda into three parts, of which one part each was taught to his son Sumanthu, grand son Satvan as also to his disciple Sukarna.The three of them distributed their parts to thousands of disciples some targetting the northern and eastern parts of Bharat mainly. Besides Vedas, there are Eighteen Puranas or historical records of Events highlighting Specific Instances through Ages and Yugas, underlining the interaction between Maya and the Supreme Energy.The Puranas are Brahma, Padma, Vishnu, Siva, Linga, Garuda, Narada, Bhagavata, Agni, Skanda, Bhavishya, Brahma Vivarta, Markandeya, Vamana, Varaha, Masya, Kurma, and Brahmanda. Vision of ‘Virat Purusha’ In conclusion, Suta Muni sought to delineate The Supreme Energy in a Human Form to facilitate comprehension so that one could possibly target and concentrate on an Existence rather than a Concept or Abstraction. Apart from the Unmanifested Half, the ‘Virat Swarupa’ or the Collosal Body, has Earth as His Feet, Sky as His Navel, Sun as His Eyes, Brahma the Procreator as His Genital, Death as His Excretion, Moon as His Mind, the Heavenly Planets as His Head, Directions as His Ears, Demi Gods protecting the Planetary System as His Arms, Destruction and Fatality as His Eye-brows, Shame as His Lower Lip, Greed as His Upper Lip, Delusion as His Smile, Moonshine as His Teeth, Trees as His Bodily Hairs, and Clouds as His Hairs on Head. Now, the Description of His Bodily Ornamenation includes His Kaustubha Gem represents the Purity of Soul, the Srivatsa Mark as the Astonishing Radiance of The Jewel, His Flower-Garland as Material Energy comprising permutations and formulations of the Natural Feelings of Goodness, Passion and Ignorance.; yellow garments as the Vedic Meters; His Sacred Thread (‘Yagnopaveeta’) representing ‘Omkara’ or ‘Pranava’, His two Earrings the processes and practice of Yoga and Sankhya, His Crown denoting Protection and Fearlessness; ‘Ananta’ His Sitting Place being the unmanifested segment of His Existence; His Throne symbolic of Goodness originating from Religiosity and Knowledge; His Club/ Mace the Life Force or ‘Prana’ incorporating Sensory, Mental and Physical Energies; His Conch Shell the Element of wate; Sudarsana Disc His Element of Fire; His sword as the Element of Sky (Ether); Sheild standing for onslaught of Ignorance; ‘Saranga’ the Bow the Time; Arrow Filler the Sensory Organs; Arrows the Material Senses; His chariot an Assertion and Speed of Mind and so on. Sun Globe is the Place where one could worship the Almighty as He is the medium. He is in the Glorious Company of Lakshmi the Goddess of Prosperity. His Vehicle is Garuda standing for Threefold Vedas. The Chief of His Personal Associates, Vishvaksena is the personification of and His Gate Keepers headed by Nanda are the mystic powers like Anima, Mahima, Laghima and Siddhis.It is this Virat Purusha in a Permanent and Perfect Human Form with

- - Physical Limbs signifying Transcendence and Sublimity that one craves to worship and amalgamate! Summing Up Maha Bhagavatha is stated to be the ‘Sumnum Bonum’ of not only the Eighteen Puranas but is the Concentrate of Vedic Know-how. Basically addressed to a person awaiting death within seven days (with full awareness about its Timing), the narration is at once descriptive and devotional reminding the Readers at each step that the purpose of the Script is to underline the Might of the Super Force, the magnitude of what one could never comprehend, the Magnanimity of His Easy Accessibility, the Proximity to which one could reach, and the Possibility of even merger with Him, given the right means to do so.Maha Bhagavatam reveals just that viz. the Awareness arising out of Learning, persuade the Will and Resolution to act, perfect and fine tune the means to Reach and synthesize the Self with the Super Self.

OM NAMO BHAGAVATEY VASUDEVAYA NAMAH

[Kayena Vacha Mansendriyarva Budhyatmanava Prakruthe Swabhavat Karomiyadyat Sakalam Parasmy Narayanaeyeti samarpayami]

All the acts that I perform - either by natural tendencies, or physical, vocal, mental, sensory inclinations, or promptings of Inner Consciouness- are being dedicated to Sriman Narayana.

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